What is Time Blocking?

Time blocking is the process of dividing your day into dedicated blocks of time, each assigned to a specific task or activity. Think of it as giving every minute a job. Instead of reacting to emails or distractions in the moment, you proactively decide how you’ll spend your time, and check your emails and messages at pre-assigned times of the day.

The beauty of time blocking lies in its structure. It’s not about squeezing more into your day; it’s about working smarter. You group similar tasks into chunks, eliminate multitasking, and give 100% of your focus to the task at hand entirely, rather than reacting to what the day throws at you.

(noteplan.co)

Does Time Blocking Work?

Time blocking works because it forces you to be intentional. Instead of relying on vague to-do lists, you commit to doing specific tasks at specific times. This clarity eliminates decision fatigue and reduces procrastination.

Research backs this up. An essay written by philosophy professor John Perry, titled: “Structured Procrastination”, found that scheduling tasks in advance significantly increases productivity and focus. By creating a roadmap for your day, you’re not just reacting to chaos – you’re steering the ship.

This work, though not directly testing “time blocking” as a named technique, highlights how structured intervals help individuals focus better and avoid procrastination. It is often cited in discussions of how scheduling specific tasks at set times can help optimize productivity.

How to Get Started with Time Blocking

Starting with time blocking is easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to set yourself up for success:

Plan Ahead: At the end of each day, map out your priorities for the next day.
Create Categories: Group tasks into categories – for example: meetings, deep work, admin, personal time.
Set Time Limits: Assign realistic durations for each block. Overestimating leads to slack time, and underestimating creates stress. Find a balance that works for you.
Stick to the Plan: Treat your time blocks like appointments. No sneaky scrolls through Instagram.
Use Tools to Ensure Success: Use a time blocking app or timer to help you stick to your commitments without having to keep an eye on the clock.

Using Digital Tools to Track and Manage Time Blocking

One of the hardest parts of time blocking is staying on track. That’s where Jibble’s 100% FREE Time Blocking Software comes in handy. It’s an online tool that helps you schedule tasks and monitor how you’re using your time – all in one place.

With Jibble, you can set up blocks for everything from meetings to focus sessions and track how long you spend on each. The visual layout makes it easy to spot where your time is going and adjust your schedule as needed. It’s like having a personal time coach, minus the whistle.

(verywellmind.com)

Incorporating the Pomodoro Technique into Time Blocking

Created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique, named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used, was designed to simplify overwhelming tasks by breaking them into small, manageable intervals.

The Pomodoro Method is a version of time blocking that breaks tasks into 25-minute focused intervals, followed by short breaks.

If time blocking is about structuring your day, the Pomodoro Technique is the engine that powers each block. These methods work brilliantly together, creating a focused, efficient workflow while giving your brain the breaks it needs to stay sharp.

Here’s how you can combine them: when you assign a time block to a task, break it down further into 25-minute Pomodoro intervals, followed by 5-minute breaks. For example, if you block 2 hours for writing a report, you’ll complete four Pomodoros with short breaks in between, and maybe a longer break at the end.

My Experience with Time Blocking

I’ll be honest – time management is not something that comes instinctively to me. Time blocking felt restrictive at first. The idea of planning every hour of my day sounded like a productivity boot camp, not a life hack. But after a week of giving it a go, I realized it was a real booster to help fight my procrastination tendencies.

Tasks that used to sit at the bottom of my to-do list for weeks, never getting to see the light of day, suddenly found themselves fitting neatly into 30-minute slots. My email inbox no longer dictated my day, as rather than replying to emails whenever my phone pinged in my pocket, I would keep notifications turned off, and instead respond to multiple emails in blocks.

And the best part? I finished work earlier and guilt-free, knowing I’d tackled the most important stuff, and the rest could be allocated for the following day.

Common Time Blocking Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Throughout my time blocking journey, I’ve learned a few traps to avoid falling into:

Overpacking Your Day: Don’t cram too much into one block. Be realistic about how long tasks take.
Skipping Breaks: Include downtime in your schedule to recharge. Breaks are productivity boosters, not time-wasters.
Being Too Rigid: Life happens. Leave buffer time to handle unexpected issues.

Final Thoughts: Is Time Blocking Worth It?

Time blocking isn’t just about productivity – it’s about reclaiming control. It helps you spend your time intentionally, so you can work smarter, achieve your goals, and still have time to enjoy life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your schedule, give time blocking a try. Start small, stay consistent, and let tools like Jibble do the heavy lifting. You might find it’s the life hack you’ve been waiting for to get your task management finally on track.