與時(shí)間賽跑：無(wú)壓工作的時(shí)間管理術(shù)

Managing your time not only allows you to be more productive but also frees up precious minutes for you to spend however you'd like. To make 2013 your most organized, adopt these four helpful habits.

1. Consider your to-do list a schedule. A simple checklist is a great start, but it's important to gauge the time frame for each item, too. Mark each of your tasks with an estimated start and finish time, taking into account any variables that may slow you down. Next, think of ways to make your schedule more exciting. Brainstorm a mini reward for each task completed, like a phone date with your best friend or a new song download.

2. Plan ahead and be thorough. It's smart to lay out your exercise gear the night before a morning workout, but take it one step further by filling your water bottle, charging your iPod, packing your purse, and leaving your gym shoes by the door. Small steps like these will have a huge payoff, adding several minutes for you to fill as you please.

3. Learn to prioritize. Efficiency stems from an ability to rank responsibilities, so decision-making plays a key role in staying productive. Not a naturally decisive person? Try to consider the impact of each of task and whether someone else is depending on you to get it done. There's a chance that you may not make it through your entire to-do list, so it's important to designate the must dos vs. the could dos.

4. Be realistic. There are only 24 hours in a day, so know your limits and be practical about your plans. You'll feel better — and less stressed — when you know that your schedule is doable. There will, of course, be extra busy days when you truly can't get everything done. In those cases, consider asking for help and delegate tasks to save time and energy.