Learning to manage your time can help reduce stress. By establishing priorities and learning to say no to low priority commitments you can take control of your life and achieve your goals.

I know time management is boring - but it is a necessary evil!

Poor time management is a common source of stress. If you have trouble getting things done, it is worth investing in a time management course to help you prioritise tasks, eliminate unnecessary activities and plan your day effectively. Time management is an entire topic on its own, but here are some tips to get you started:

• Be clear about what you are trying to achieve in your life. Set personal, financial and career goals.
• Take time at the beginning or end of each day to plan.
• List everything you need to do and the date by which it needs to be completed.
• Number each item in order of priority. Your highest priority items will be the ones that help you achieve your long-term goals and ambitions.
• Delegate or lose tasks that do not help you achieve your goals and ambitions.
• Do one thing at a time, and see the task through to completion before starting something else. Switching between tasks can be a huge time waster.
• Attack the tough top priority jobs first. Most people have a tendency to do all the little tasks first so they can get them out of the way. It is more effective to start with the highest priority task. Ask yourself, "What one task if completed would have the greatest positive impact on achieving my goals?" Complete this task first.
• Handle incoming mail once (and this includes email). Don't keep putting it aside - make a decision and act on it immediately.
• Set time aside each day to work or study without interruption - close the door, turn on your voice mail - do whatever it takes to make sure you can work in peace and quiet.
• Don't take on more than you can handle. If you can't fit it in, say no.
• Plan your personal time, such as playing tennis or catching up with friends. People often think that leisure activities need to be spontaneous but this isn't true, it can be just as much fun to plan time out.
Find time each week to do something to nurture your soul - spend time with your children, dance, write in a journal or take some time. Scheduling time for relaxation will keep you motivated.

If you don't already have a diary, put this on your shopping list today. You can use it to record your goals, appointments and also to remind you to take part in regular exercise, hobbies, family and romantic time and last but not least - fun!