Depression and Time Management 

When you’re experiencing depression, it can make it difficult to find motivation. You may feel overwhelmed. Managing your time is likely one of the most difficult things for you to manage. Fortunately, there are several things you can try to help you improve your time management. 

Start Small 

The best thing you can do is to start off with small steps and goals. You don’t want to further overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle too much at once. Setting a few small goals is a good place to start. As you set goals, make sure they are achievable and include a plan for how to reach your goals. Some good starter goals might include creating a to-do list for each day or making a goal to create a schedule. If even these tasks seem too daunting, start by working on one task each day and build up more tasks over time. Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t make a lot of progress at first. It takes time to improve your time management skills. 

Create a Routine 

It’s easier to manage your time if you have a routine to follow each day. If you have no structure, then time slips by and you don’t accomplish as much. A routine can help you keep track of time and you can have designated times for every task. Again, starting off small is a good first step. Establish a routine that involves a few tasks each day. They can be simple, like making your bed each morning, going for a walk at the same time every day, or having set hours when you’ll get some work done. Your routine can be as simple or detailed as you choose. It all depends on your own needs. 

Learn to Say No

Another reason people become overwhelmed is that they are simply taking on too much at once. This may be a result of feeling guilty for not doing certain things. However, your mental health needs to be a priority too. Learning to say no is important. This sets healthy boundaries for yourself. You can determine what things you actually need to be doing and what you can afford to say no to. Don’t let guilt drive your actions. If you will be overwhelmed by certain tasks, then turn them down. 

Time management is a skill that many people struggle with. Those with depression can be especially overwhelmed by trying to manage their time. Finding small ways to make it easier can help. 

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