Let’s be honest…
Managing time as a web designer or developer can feel like a juggling act. Between client calls, brainstorming ideas, and getting into the nitty-gritty of coding, it’s easy to feel all over the place. That’s where time blocking can really help.
What is Time Blocking, and Why Does It Work?
When you’re working on creative projects, your brain switches between two modes: creative (designing, brainstorming) and logical (coding, fixing bugs). Trying to do both at the same time? That’s a recipe for stress and slow progress.
Time blocking means setting aside chunks of your day for specific tasks, so you can focus fully without jumping between different types of work.
How to Make Time Blocking Work for You
- Figure Out When You Work Best
Are you a morning person or do you hit your groove in the afternoon? Plan creative work during your peak creative hours and save the technical stuff for when your brain is more focused. For me, I am a morning person so I have a full 4 hour period of my day first thing in the morning dedicated to getting creative for my own business or more clients.
- Break Your Day into Sections
Here’s a simple example of how you can split your time:
- Morning: Creative work (designing, brainstorming ideas)
- Afternoon: Logical work (coding, debugging)
- Evening: Admin tasks (emails, planning, client updates)
- Set Some Ground Rules
Treat your time blocks like important meetings – no distractions, no multitasking. Put your phone away, close social media tabs, and get in the zone.
- Use Handy Tools to Stay Organised
Apps like Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello can help you set up and stick to your time blocks. Notion is a personal favourite of mine!
- Stay Flexible
Things don’t always go to plan, and that’s okay. If a creative task takes longer than expected, adjust your schedule as needed.
Why It’s Worth It
- Get More Done: Focusing on one thing at a time speeds up your workflow.
- Avoid Burnout: Splitting creative and technical work keeps your mind fresh.
- Boost Creativity: Giving yourself space to think without distractions leads to better ideas.
- Work-Life Balance: Structure your day so you’re not working late into the night.
Give It a Go!
Time blocking isn’t just another productivity trend – it’s a simple way to get the most out of your day without feeling overwhelmed. Try it out and see how it helps you stay organised and stress-free!
