The Crucial Role of Time Management in College Mental Health

"In my 20 years as a college mental health counselor, I was surprised by the amount of pain that was caused by the lack of time management skills and the number of students who sought help to address it. In an earlier era, time management was thought of as the purview of the study center; however, more and more studies show the connection between time management and mental health."

"Time management for mental health is not different from traditional time management, but perhaps with the broader goal of benefitting both productivity and wellness. The process still boils down to planning. However, most college students aren't born knowing how to make reasonable schedules that balance everything: study, work, play, social connection, and self-care. The process of creating a schedule is easy to understand, but doing it well is actually quite nuanced and takes trial and error."

"The first step is organization. Not shockingly, making a broad plan for "what, where, and when" to study, work, socialize, rest, and self-care is the entry point. I've seen students do this many ways: the traditional electronic calendar, an old-school three-ring paper calendar, bullet journals from basic to full color, idiosyncratic but effective lists in a spiral notebook, etc. Many students also benefit from making the schedule more detailed."

Lack of time management often causes significant distress for college students and affects mental health. Effective time management requires planning, organization, and balancing study, work, social life, and self-care. Use tools such as electronic calendars, paper planners, bullet journals, or customized lists. Detailed scheduling (specifying classes, locations, and assignments) improves focus. Expect initial schedules to be imperfect and use observational adjustments—note when, where, and with whom work is most productive. Create realistic, flexible plans, practice trial-and-error, and seek guidance when time feels unmanageable. Consistent refinement of schedules supports both productivity and emotional well-being.

Read at Psychology Today