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Juggling between home and work? This is surely a quick-fire way to have ulcers in your stomach.. unless you know how to master your time and not let it control you.

1. Set priorities

Begin by deciding what tasks must be done today, this week, or this month. If a piece of work seems overwhelming or complex, break it down into manageable steps that can be handled one at a time.

Prepare a list of important things that you need to accomplish and allot a time-frame for each task. This will make the task less overbearing and prevent you from procrastinating.

It is human nature to put off unpleasant, routine, or difficult chores. But those who discipline themselves to tackle the things they dislike, or fear, gain self-confidence and make better use of their time.

4. Try these techniques to help you overcome procrastination:

• Think about how great you feel when the chore is completed. Be positive about its outcome.

• Promise to spend just 15 minutes a day on a task in the`To Do` list, and schedule these daily segments at the same time    preferably when there will be no interruptions.

• Create an incentive by promising yourself a special reward for getting the job done.

• Realise that the task doesn`t have to be done perfectly, but your effort in accomplishing the same matters.

5. Avoid distractions...

Outside distractions can be a major destroyer of time    if you let them. The key is to physically block out disturbances as much as possible, whether by shutting your door, turning your desk away from passersby, or by asking people to be quiet. If interruptions are a real problem, try setting aside a period every day during which you will meet with people and take phone calls; the rest of the time is `private time` in which you work, uninterrupted. Most people say they accomplish more when they work for a long period of time instead of many smaller, disconnected periods.

6. Handle each piece of paper only once!

Paperwork is a necessary evil. Whether you pass it along, file it, sign it, revise it, or throw it out    take action on it right away. To gain greater control over it, decide what to do with each piece of paper as it comes into your office. Then, get rid of it.

7. Know your productive level

Remember, the best in your work is accomplished by short productive stints. The trick is to find out what made you to be very efficient and then devote more of your time to these productive activities, and reduce the time spent on unproductive work. To analyse how you spend your time, keep a log of your daily activities for about two weeks.

8. Adjust your schedule to your energy levels

Most of us have certain times during the day when we are more alert and perform better. Once you have determined your pattern of physical and mental energy levels, try to adjust your daily schedule accordingly. By handling mentally demanding jobs during your peak energy periods, you can get more done in less time. Also, fit your schedule to your moods and energy levels, and you will find that you will save time and be more effective in your job.