In writing about negative stressors
Greenberg notes the importance of time management as a tool to reduce stress. In his Life-Situations Intervention chapter he gives a series of steps that a person may use to make better use of their time. It begins with “Assessing How You Spend Time”, goes on to “Setting Goals”, and other means to manage time (pg. 160 to 163 of the text, 13th edition). In the principles section of the response students are to list and briefly explain time management techniques as identified by Greenberg. In the implications section of the response students are to explain how these management techniques may provide stress reduction to others or to themselves.
Principles
The first technique of time management is assessing how one currently spends their time (Greenberg, 2006). This method requires one to subdivide their day into segments which are fifteen-minute long. The activities of each period are then recorded. After that, one should review their time diary to make appropriate and specific decisions and adjustments to help in managing time better.
Secondly, Greenberg emphasizes the importance of setting long-term, yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily goals. When one has a clear sense of direction, they can plan how to achieve their targets more effectively (Greenberg, 2006). After setting goals and activities, one should prioritize them depending on their importance. Such is realized through an A, B, C, list where:
A- represents must-do tasks
B- involves activities that need to be done on the same day
C- additional tasks that can be done if one achieves A and C
Further, scheduling one’s undertakings aims at answering the question “when?” these activities will be done. One should remember that “We get 80 percent of our rewards from only 20 percent of our activities. Conversely, we get only 20 percent of our rewards from 80 percent of the time we spend” (Greenberg, 2006). Therefore, one should maximize their rewards through proper organization of time. To begin with, one should invest time in order to plan and apply the time management techniques before setting out on tasks (Greenberg, 2006).
Learning to “Say No” helps one to reduce the overload of activities that make one feel overburdened or enjoy such tasks less (Greenberg, 2006). According to the author, saying no does not necessarily mean that one does not have the freedom to do whatever they please. As well, one should cautiously delegate those activities that do not need personal attention. When handling emails and questionnaires, for instance, the author suggests that one should evaluate a given task once and for all or use the circular file when dealing with junk electronic messages (Greenberg, 2006).
Implications
I believe that the use of the time assessment tool can be used to reduce one’s stress concerning maximizing the available time (Giga eta al. 2003). For example, an individual can identify that the activity that unnecessarily takes up most of their time in a day is watching the television. On that note, the person can decide to moderate these entertainment hours and allocate them to more productive tasks such as studying. In turn, one is able to realize their goals by excelling academically.
Also, scheduling the daily tasks and employing the A, B, C, list assist in reducing the stress associated with getting overwhelmed by activities. By recognizing and starting the day with the most crucial tasks, one ends up more productive and satisfied even when they unable to achieve the less important activities (Greenberg, 2006). As well, one identifies the amount of time available to carry out other desired operations. As a result, “Saying No” becomes much easier and such stresses as guilt, blame, or worrying about what other people think about us are minimized (Greenberg, 2006).
According to Greenberg, it is prudent to be choosy or refrain from those chores that other people try to delegate to you. This is because, one may not have time to perform such tasks as they might end up distracting their schedule and priority of activities (Greenberg, 2006). However, one should help others out if they have plenty of time at their disposal. The author also cautions against imposing stress on other people by using them to carry out particular tasks that are meant for you (Greenberg, 2006).
References
:Giga, S. I., Cooper, C. L., " Faragher, B. (2003). The development of a framework for a comprehensive approach to stress management interventions at work. International Journal of Stress Management, 10(4), 280-296. doi:10.1037/1072-5245.10.4.280
Greenberg, J. S. (2006). Comprehensive stress management. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
