The medical staff at the Mayo Clinic recently published an excellent article entitled, “Time Management: Tips to Reduce Stress and Improve Productivity.” Time management is a crucial element for any entrepreneur’s success. The consultants from Professional Marketing International are dedicated to helping their clients maximize their time and get the most from their abilities.

 To put the importance of time management into perspective, the article begins by asserting, “Effective time management is a primary means to a less stressful life. These practices can help you reduce your stress and reclaim your personal life.” Medical professionals agree that reducing stress results in significant health benefits. The experts from the Mayo Clinic provide several strategies for accomplishing this. They recommend that you choose one and try it for a few weeks. If it helps, continue using it and consider adding another. If it doesn’t work for you, simply try a different one.

Here are some of their suggestions:

• Plan each day. This is a great way to feel more in control of your life. Place the most important tasks at the top of your list.
• Prioritize your tasks. We sometimes spend a good portion of our time and energy on unimportant tasks. This will help you stay dedicated to the truly important ones.
• Delegate. Don’t feel that you have to everything yourself. Review your to-do list and identify tasks that others can help you accomplish.
• Do the job right. Though it may be tempting to complete tasks as quickly as possible, don’t sacrifice quality. Doing a thorough job takes more time upfront, but saves the time you would have to spend correcting errors later. Ultimately, it is more efficient.
• Break large tasks into smaller tasks. You can tackle major projects in smaller, manageable part. This allows you to work on them a few minutes at a time, rather than having to block out a large period of time.
• Limit distractions. When a large task demands a significant period of time, you should close your door, turn off your phone and ignore your email.
• Get plenty of sleep, have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. By living a healthy lifestyle, you will have more energy and an increased ability to concentrate. Improving your efficiency in this way helps you complete your work faster.
• Take a break when needed. Don’t be afraid to step away from a task when you are feeling too much stress. You could take a short walk or do some stretches.

By effectively managing your time, you’ll accomplish more each day and keep your stress level manageable. And don’t forget the significant health benefits. Choose one of the suggestions from this list and apply it in your life. You’ll be surprised by the results.