5 Ways to Improve Your Time Management

Almost every client we work with wants to be better at time management. They’re too busy running the business, fighting fires, and reacting to problems.
The result? Nothing important seems to get done.
Here are five proven strategies that will help you take back control of your time and focus on what matters most.

1. Keep a Time Diary

Spend a week tracking your time. Use a spreadsheet, notebook, or time-tracking app. Log:

• What you did
  
  
• How long it took
  
  
• Whether it helped grow the business
  
  
• Whether someone else could have done it
  
  

You’ll quickly see where time is being wasted, and what to delegate, automate, or eliminate.

2. Schedule Interruption-Free Time

Protect blocks of your calendar for uninterrupted work. Mute notifications, close the office door, and stop checking emails during this time.
Use it for high-focus work like strategic planning or solving problems.

3. Make a Priority List

Each day, identify the three most important tasks to complete. Write them down. Underline the top priority.
As you finish each one, mark it off. This helps you stay focused, build momentum, and feel in control – even if unexpected issues come up.

4. Check Emails Only 3 Times a Day

If you’re constantly checking emails, you’re breaking your concentration and draining time.
Instead, schedule three times per day to check and respond to emails. Outside those windows, close your inbox and focus on your most important work.

5. Document Your Systems and Processes

If your team is constantly asking how to do things – document it. Write simple, repeatable steps. Start with the tasks that interrupt you most often.
Over time, your team will become more self-sufficient, and you’ll get more time back for strategic work.

A Real Example: From Overwhelmed to Organised

When Vivian from Studio Hound started her business, everything was manual – no booking system, no client database, and no documented processes.
She was passionate about her service, but constantly overwhelmed by daily chaos.

With Oxygen8’s support, Vivian introduced the systems and structure she needed to reduce stress, improve productivity, and regain control of her time.

“Oxygen8 gave me confidence, direction, and made it all feel possible – and even enjoyable.”
– Studio Hound