Whether you’re a student looking to ace your exams, set up a side hustle, or just chill with friends, everyone has big dreams. However, as time does not seem to be on your side, you may be left wondering, where did my day go? If this resonates with you, then know that you are not the only one. Time management is surely a superpower for students. It is worth celebrating, as you can unlock this attribute by tackling the time drains that are sapping your energy and focus. This article dives into five major offenders stealing your precious time inspired by Ali Abdaal’s YouTube video. Along with practical ways to reign control, more so to focus on what truly matters, be it your academics, exploring new hobbies, or simply enjoying life. Make every day count and reclaim the hours spent wasting time. Are you ready? Let’s get started.
Social Media: Distraction That Dims Productivity
“Just one more scroll,” they said, as you lost 3 hours to a phone screen. Listening to what social media services have in store elicits a cycle of overusing and wasting time. This is slowly becoming the student life cycle – students are losing precious hours that could be spent studying, working on creative projects, or even catching up on the much-needed sleep. To fix this problem, set a barrier. Stopping someone addicted to scrolling is as easy as setting a timer to let them think about how the other side works. There’s an app called OneSec that blocks opening social media until you ask yourself, “Do I have to check this right now?” Set filters or borders, like moving apps from the home screen to pages where they don’t appear. Checking out, logging out, and setting up time restrictions are boundaries worth trying. Each of these actions, done with intention, can save hours in the week, turning lost time into gaining benefits wherever needed, be it studying, connecting with friends, or pursuing a passion project waiting to jump start.
Staying Informed: Cramming Information Through the News Cycle
Responding to every update may feel productive, but the news cycle can induce a state of “clutter” Around your mind. Every news update transforms itself into a priority overnight. Responding to every news app notification tends to feel like responding to a distress signal. Try ignoring these app notifications for some time and setting aside specific quiet time focused on catching up. Using The Economist and other information curators is a sure shot way of receiving information in a particular cycle without wasting unnecessary time. In return, there is less mental clutter and greater personal relief. Consider whether you are actively looking for information or just browsing to pass the time. Filtering the news consumes time and space, and in return places you on the clear path towards success.
Television: An Underappreciated Time Theft
After spending a long day in class, I understand how easy it is to indulge in binge-watching shows, but that comes with consequences. Solo binge-screening can eat away hours that could have been spent studying, socializing, and exploring new skills. Ali Abdaal transformed his life for the better by limiting solo TV watching during his first year of med school. Take his advice and try this experiment: limit solo TV time for a week. Redirect the reclaimed hours towards meaningful activities, such as joining a study group or learning a completely new skill. If you enjoy watching, consider hosting a watch party with friends and take your TV time social. You will be surprised with all that you can achieve these newly available hours translate into.
Chores: The Everyday Tasks You Can Optimize
Laundry, cleaning, and meal preparation are straightforward chores, and they all need to get done, but they can also drain one’s time. As a cash-strapped student, it is still possible to rethink chores in a way that optimizes time. Can you batch cook meals for the week? Split cleaning responsibilities with roommates? If you have a part time job, consider offloading one task, such as cleaning, to a professional service infrequently, so you can spend that time studying or relaxing. Even minor changes, such as a timer set for 15 minutes of tidying up, can go a long way when it comes to maintaining control over one’s schedule. Think of it as spending a little bit of money, or effort, in exchange for unrestrained time. What could be done with an extra hour each week?
Wasting Those Spare Minutes: The New Hidden Resource
Those spare 10- or 15-minute intervals between classes or right before heading out? If used properly, they are invaluable. All too often, scrolling aimlessly or daydreaming fills the void, accompanied with the thought, “there’s not enough time to do anything.” But that’s a misconception. Ali changed the way he used spare moments during medical shifts, taking every opportunity to strategize or brainstorm, sketching out various ideas.
As a learner, you can work with flashcards, outline an essay, or even calm your mind as a form of active rest. Maintain an idea list on your phone to quickly accomplish tasks in the moments you find free. Start by self-inquiry: What’s the smallest possible thing I can do right now? This way of thinking will enable you to make the most out of every minute, which in turn will be revealing how much time is available for your goals.
Key Takeaways
- Tame Social Media: Add friction to mindless scrolling with apps or settings to reclaim hours for studying or hobbies.
- Curate the News: Be intentional with news consumption to avoid overload and focus on what matters.
- Rethink TV: Limit solo watching and make TV social to free up time for meaningful activities.
- Streamline Chores: Batch, share, or outsource tasks to gain time for academic or personal growth.
- Value Spare Minutes: Use short pockets of time intentionally to make progress on goals, big or small.
Conclusion
Time is your most precious resource as a student, and managing it doesn’t mean following a rigid schedule—it’s about making intentional choices that align with your dreams. Whether you’re cutting back on social media, curating your news, or making the most of spare minutes, these strategies are flexible experiments. Not every tip will fit your life, and that’s okay. The beauty of time management is finding what works for you. So, pick one idea from this article and try it this week. Maybe delete an app, batch a chore, or use those 10 minutes before class to start something new. You’ve got the power to shape your days—start small, dream big, and watch how your time transforms your life.