Time Management Finding Balance When Life Gets Busy
Change, deadlines, and busy schedules can be stressful — especially for neurodivergent people who thrive on structure and predictability. Whether it’s back-to-school season, midterms, assignment crunch time, or the holidays, managing your time in a way that works for your brain can make all the difference.
Here are three practical, flexible strategies to help you manage your time when things start to pile up:
1. Use a Visual Calendar to See What’s Coming Up
Having a visual overview of your week or month can help reduce uncertainty and last-minute stress.
Try using a digital calendar (like Google Calendar) or a paper planner that’s easy to glance at.
Colour-code your activities — for example, blue for school, green for appointments, orange for social plans, and purple for downtime.
Set notifications that remind you in advance — some people like a reminder the day before, and again an hour before.
If visuals help, use stickers or icons to make the calendar feel more engaging and easier to read.
This helps make time visible, which can support executive functioning and planning ahead — especially during busy or unpredictable times.
2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps and Use Gentle Reminders
Large tasks like “write essay” or “study for exam” can feel overwhelming or hard to start. Breaking them down can make them more manageable and motivating.
Try turning one big task into smaller pieces, like: “choose topic,” “make notes,” “draft intro,” and “edit final version.”
Set reminders for each smaller step instead of just the final due date.
Consider using a reminder app or task manager like Notion, Tiimo, or Todoist — or even sticky notes in a visible place.
Each completed step gives a sense of progress and accomplishment — which can boost motivation and reduce anxiety.
3. Schedule Downtime and Sensory Breaks
Downtime isn’t a reward — it’s a need.
Schedule rest the same way you schedule work or study time. Put it in your calendar or planner so it becomes part of your routine.
Think about what helps you reset — quiet time, movement, sensory breaks, time outdoors, a hobby, or time with trusted people.
Build in “buffer time” between activities so you’re not rushing from one thing to another.
When your schedule includes moments of rest, you’re more likely to sustain focus, energy, and emotional regulation through busy seasons.
Time management doesn’t have to look one way — it’s about finding systems that support your brain and help you feel more in control. With visuals, reminders, and intentional rest built into your schedule, you can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and make room for both productivity and joy.