I’ll admit it. I’m a self-help book junkie. Especially if it has to do with building good habits, time management, and personal productivity.
I stumbled across time blocking when I was reading an article about productivity. It seemed to be a promising approach for the avalanche of things I needed to do each week, and of course, on the weekends.
Time blocking has transformed how I manage my time and paved the way for a more focused approach to a complicated life. But first, what’s time blocking all about?
What is Time Blocking?
Time blocking is a strategy for managing your time by dividing your day into blocks or chunks of time dedicated to similar tasks. Unlike a to-do list, it provides a way to ensure each task receives the attention it needs.
It points to a period of time we dedicate to single-tasking, or what some researchers have called monotasking and still others have called time chunking. The idea is that you spend that block of time on one, specified activity and nothing else. It may seem strange to structure your day in this way, but I’ve found that it increases productivity and focus.
Time blocking can be done using a physical schedule (e.g. pen/paper or whiteboard) or virtually, using whatever calendar application or other app you use.
I tend to do both.
I block time in my calendar for certain tasks but I also write out my intentions for the day on a piece of paper and leave it visible in my office. I’m not sure why, but I find that having something consistently in front of me is helpful.
Studies back up the effectiveness of time blocking. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology showed that time blocking can significantly reduce stress and boost productivity (Gasking and Skousen, 2016). In a future post, I’ll dig into the research a bit more. There’s actually quite a bit that speaks to its value.
A Weekend Reset Time Blocking Example
As someone who appreciates having a structured, and yet flexible approach, time blocking has truly transformed how I spend my weekends. Let me walk you through a weekend day of planning using this method.
My digital calendar on a weekend might look something like this:
Here, I’ve allocated amounts of time to various activities to touch on all 7 reset practices. I don’t typically write the practice in my calendar because I know them so well now, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea as you get started.
In addition, you’ll notice that I insert white space every day. That’s a time for me to use however makes sense at the moment. It could be staring at the TV, reading a book or pulling weeds in the garden. Somehow it helps me to know it’s ok to take a bit of time to do whatever I feel like doing or to do…nothing.
I also like colour-coding my calendar so that I can see the balance of tasks (or sometimes the lack thereof).
It may seem very rigid at first glance, but it’s actually very flexible.If I don’t get to something one day, I just edit the time/date and it moves to a time in the future, but I don’t lose the space to do it.
Why Time Blocking Helps Reset Over the Weekend
Here are just a few reasons why this approach can be helpful:
- Time Blocking Reduces Decision Fatigue
Planning your tasks in advance helps eliminate decision-making throughout the day. By reducing decision fatigue you can focus better on your tasks.
- Time Blocking Boosts Productivity
Time blocking is a way to enhance your productivity and prevent distractions from throwing you off course. By setting aside time slots, for tasks you can make the most of your day.
- Time Blocking Increases Balance
By allocating time for work, family and personal activities you can ensure a weekend that leaves you refreshed for the week ahead.
Want to Try Time Blocking for Productivity?
Download the FREE Weekend Reset Challenge Time Blocking Template!
How to Get Started With Time Blocking
Convinced? Here are some ways you can begin to use time blocking to manage your time and feel in control.
- Identify Your Top Priorities
Start by listing all the tasks you need to complete during the weekend both personal and professional. Arrange them in order of importance and urgency.
- Schedule Time Blocks
Assign time slots for each task or group of tasks. It’s important to be realistic about how each activity will take and avoid overcrowding your schedule. Don’t forget to factor in breaks and buffer periods for events (like traveling to and from a meeting).
- Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
Whether you prefer a planner or an online calendar tool like Google Calendar or Trello use it to organize your time blocks.
- Stick to Your Plan
Consistency is key when it comes to following your schedule. While some flexibility is necessary try to stick as possible to your planned time blocks to maintain a smooth flow throughout your day.
At the end of the week, reflect on what went and what didn’t. Make adjustments to your schedule for the weekend to enhance your time management skills continuously.
How Can You Reset if You Only Have a Bit of Time Available?
Whether you have more or less time, it’s possible (and important) to find time to engage in each of the 7 habits.
I also recognize that at different points in my life there would be zero chance that I would have this much time available on a weekend. At times, they were filled with work, kids’ activities, and all of the other things I had going on. Even then, if you can carve out even a half hour and you’re strategic about touching the 7 practices that will serve you best, it will make a difference.
Here’s An Example If You Have One Hour or Less:
- Send a quick check in text to a loved one (Connect)
- Go for a short walk outside and listen to a podcast (Move/Outdoors/Spark)
- Write for a few minutes in a gratitude journal (Stillness/Appreciation)
- Scan your calendar for the week ahead (Plan)
You may not have done everything you want or need to do, but you’ve touched each of the 7 practices, even if only for a short period of time.
Conclusion
Integrating time blocking into your weekends can be transformative. It not only improves task management efficiency, it also fosters a more balanced life. By allocating blocks of time for activities you ensure that every aspect of your life receives the attention it requires. I use this approach every day, not just the weekend, but you may want to experiment first.
Productivity and time management has been a lifelong quest for me. As new strategies and techniques come out, I’m very likely to give them a try. Now, I use a combination of several techniques, including a brain dump when I feel I have too much going on, to-do lists to capture projects, and then time blocking to organize my tasks within my day.
There is no “one size fits all”. It’s a matter of experimentation and what works for you. I’ve also found that different phases of life or career can also dictate what may work for you at any given time.
What do you think? What are your favourite time management strategies and tips? Comment below!
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