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The Sea Cadets guide to managing your time

If you're feeling stressed about not having enough time, use this guide to help you do everything you need to without getting overwhelmed

A female cadet writes in a book

1. Time-keeping

  • Create a routine and develop positive daily habits that are achievable.
  • Get everything ready the night before, so you’re ready for the next day. 
  • Don’t study in a rush – start early.
  • Don’t wait to get started on a task.
  • The more time you have, the easier it is.
  • Set alarms and label them to help
    you manage your day.
  • Allocate different times for different activities and avoid multitasking.
  • Keep your workspace clean and tidy to help you feel organised.

2. Prioritise

  • Make a ‘to-do’ list and prioritise
  • the most important things.
  • Set yourself the challenge of completing one easier task and one harder task, so the hard tasks don’t build up and get overwhelming.
  • Make your list manageable. If it’s too much, it can ruin your motivation.
A male cadet makes a list
Cadets gather round a laptop

3. Limit distractions

  • Use tools such as the ‘do not disturb’ feature on your phone, or the Forest app, where a seed grows the longer you don’t touch your phone, but withers if you can’t resist.
  • Try some visual techniques, like colour-coding your work.
  • Grab your friends for a study session to help each other stay focused.

4. Reward your achievements

Celebrate your accomplishments and reward yourself for completing tasks.

A cadet celebrates their achievement

Illustrations: Geraldine Sy

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