According to the Harvard Business Review, time management is defined as “the decision-making process that structures, protects, and adjusts a person’s time to changing environmental conditions.” For students like us, this skill is a crucial skill for navigating the online high school experience. With the constant juggling of academics, extracurricular activities, and other personal commitments, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, especially as the semester picks up its pace. Many students fall into the trap of procrastination in response to the sheer number of tasks piling up.
Instead of getting started, they may overthink the amount of workload which only causes deadlines to appear more looming and increases their stress level. To help prevent students from falling into this state, I’ll share some practical time management tips, featuring advice from a student who has found ways to find balance in her life.
1. Time Management
“What is time management?” As Dawn Zhu, a 10th grader, says, “Time management means keeping on top of all my homework and still having leftover time for my extracurriculars.” While everyone’s approach to managing their time is different, the ultimate goal is the same: keeping life under control. The key is finding a strategy that lets you be productive without burning out. This is especially important in an online learning environment, where self-discipline plays an immense role in your success.
Self-discipline means taking control of your life and sticking to your commitments, even on tough days when you lack motivation. It’s about staying focused, resisting distractions, and making choices that support your long-term goals. Essentially, it’s about holding yourself accountable to get things done.
2. Structuring Your Day
A well-structured day can make all the difference. Zhu shared her routine: “I wake up, prep for my classes, and take my first class in the morning. Afterward, I either do ballet or go for a jog, finish more homework, take a nap, and then wrap up the day with more classes and some contest or scholarship planning.” 8th grade student Karina Nalamwar, shares, “I typically have classes from 7:55am to 5:10pm, and then I do homework in the time between classes and in the evenings. I also have some extracurriculars in the afternoon, so most of my homework is done at night. I prioritize homework as early as possible, but I do spend time with my family in between.”
Notice how these routines include breaks and physical activity, which are essential for keeping your mind fresh and focused. The goal isn’t to fill your day with back-to-back tasks: it is to find the right balance. Whether it’s setting time aside for exercise or social activities, these breaks help you recharge and return to your studies with more energy.
3. Tools for Effective Time Management
Students often use a variety of tools to help manage their workload. Two popular choices are Google Calendar and Folderly. Google Calendar allows you to keep track of your schedule while Folderly is used to keep track of daily to-do lists and many other academic-related information.
Nalamwar gave some tools she prefers using: “I use google calendar and Canvas to keep track of my assignments and time. At the beginning of every week, I block out all my different assignments with the approximate time they’ll take and the time I want to do them on my google calendar. As the week goes on, I’ll usually find that I have to move assignments later than I’d like to, but for the most part, it works well. I can also see all the other events I have that week too. Canvas list mode helps me check everyday what I have due. I also have a small whiteboard weekly calendar that I use for non-school events.”
She mentions another powerful technique referred to as “time-blocking.” This is where you assign specific blocks of time to certain tasks, helping reduce procrastination and increase productivity. (If time-blocking feels too rigid, try using it just for high-priority assignments or approaching deadlines.)
4. The Procrastination Trap
Even with the best tools, procrastination can sneak up on anyone. “Sometimes assignments take longer than expected, and I procrastinate,” Zhu admitted. To avoid falling behind, she recommends prioritizing: “Whatever is due first, I do that first.” Tackling tasks in order of urgency can help prevent last-minute stress and keep you moving forward, even when your schedule feels heavy.
5. Final Remarks
To summarize, here are some of the most important tips to note down and use:
- Stop procrastinating and start now. One of the best ways to beat procrastination is to stop thinking and start working. Break your tasks into smaller chunks, and get something done every day.
- Time-block your week. Create a weekly schedule that assigns time for every task. This gives you a clear overview of your workload and helps you manage your priorities.
- Use a planner or digital calendar. Whether it’s a physical planner or an app like Student Calendar, having a place to note deadlines, appointments, and to-do lists can keep you organized.
- Take breaks. Productivity isn’t about working non-stop. Make time for breaks to refresh and recharge, so you can maintain focus when it’s time to get back to work.
Effective time management isn’t about perfection: it’s about making progress. For many OHS students, simply staying organized and creating a routine can make a huge difference. Whether you rely on time-blocking, a planner, or apps to track your assignments, the ultimate goal is to build a balanced schedule that lets you succeed academically while still enjoying your personal interests. It might take some time to figure out what works best for you, but as long as you stick with it, you’ll find your personal method. Remember, consistency is key!