Managing one’s time is an important skill, a NW biology professor told students last week.

Lynn Preston presented Time Management Oct. 17 on NW Campus, where students received a planner and exercises to start the process of balancing their day-to-day schedules.

“Students have classes, work, family life, social life and sleep they have to find time for in just 168 hours,” she said. “Scheduling all your activities so you can use your time efficiently makes you a better person and student.”

Students portray different styles of mannerisms or functions such as the fireman, over-committer, Aquarian, chatty Kathy and perfectionist, Preston said. To help students overcome those styles, she presented skills to help them have better time management.

“First, look at where you are wasting your time,” she said. “Keep a journal tracking your activities in your life at this moment, prioritize the list and start a schedule.”

Once students track their activities, they can start following their planners to use their time efficiently, Preston said.

If students find their schedules still overwhelming, then they should rearrange their agendas so they can be more productive, Preston said.

Preston suggested removing activities if students cannot get the main priorities out of the way.

By following the skills presented, Preston said students should be on their way to living a more-balanced, time-efficient college life. If this system doesn’t work, she said they should try new systems or reprioritize their daily schedules.

­— Mallorie Anderson