Preparing for a big event can be overwhelming. There are plenty of tasks to tick off, but not enough time. Putting together outfits, décor, or schedules simultaneously can feel stressful.
To stave off stress and concentrate better, employ the help of a visual timer. It’s a simple tool that shows how much time you have left in a clear way. It lets you see time passing so you can concentrate better. You don’t need to check your watch every minute.
In this article, you will learn why event planning can cause stress and how visual timers work to help you manage time and feel calmer and more confident.
Why does preparation cause a lot of stress?
When you plan a significant event like a wedding or a holiday party, you have many tasks to finish. Picking the perfect venue, ordering food, making invitations, and deciding on decorations can take a lot of time.
A recent survey by Zola backs this, finding that 94% of engaged couples feel stressed in their wedding planning. At the same time, a poll by the American Psychological Association shows that nearly nine out of ten adults in the U.S. say they feel stressed during the holidays.
Unexpected delays from vendors and last-minute changes can induce feelings of anxiety. This worry can affect your sleep and your overall well-being. Using better ways to manage time can keep you calm and help you enjoy the process.
Just as choosing the perfect masquerade attire can set the mood for the night, using a visual timer can help you stay on track while getting ready.
What are visual timers?
Visual timers show the passing of time through visual cues. Instead of showing numbers like a clock, they use colors, bars, or moving shapes. For example, the iconic hourglass uses the falling of sand to show how much time has passed and how much is left.
Meanwhile, electronic devices like the Timeqube use color-changing lights. Green means there is plenty of time left, yellow means half-time has passed, and red means time is running out.
Most digital timers today allow you to set blocks of time, like 15 or 20 minutes, or whatever length of time you prefer. Many use these devices to split work into short sessions with breaks in between.
Visual timers can be physical or digital. The former can sit on your desk while the latter is displayed on screens, such as on your phone or computer.
Some visual timers are accompanied with an app, which allows you to name tasks and track your sessions. Using a visual timer gives a clear signal to start. This makes it easier to switch tasks easily and stay on schedule.
What are the key benefits of visual timers?
Here are five benefits of visual timers when it comes to reducing prep-time stress:
Enhanced time awareness
Visual timers show time passing clearly, so you know at a glance if you are on track. People often underestimate how long tasks will take to finish. One study found that students underestimated their project time by 21.6 days on average. Visual timers help you pace work and avoid procrastination.
Improved concentration
Working without breaks is detrimental to focus. Research shows that short work bursts with breaks boost attention and reduce mental fatigue. Visual timers help by setting time blocks for work and breaks. This simple switch helps you clear your head and return to tasks ready to focus.
Reduced anxiety
Watching a clock countdown can feel stressful. Using a visual timer breaks big deadlines into small steps. Studies show people who use short-interval methods feel less anxious about time pressure. This shift makes it easier to stay calm when you’re juggling several tasks.
Better task prioritization
When you set each timer for one task, you force yourself to pick what matters most. Only 2.5% of people can multitask well. Timers help you avoid bouncing between tasks, make sure the most urgent prep work gets done first, and help you stay organized.
Consistent progress tracking
Seeing a colored gauge fill or shrink gives you a small sense of achievement. According to Zippia, U.S. workers waste an average of 2.9 hours per 8-hour workday on distractions. A visual timer helps by making your progress visible and keeping you motivated.
How do you use visual timers for event planning?
If you want to use a visual timer to help manage stress when planning your next big event, use the following steps as pointers:
- Pick a timer style you like. Do you prefer a physical timer or a digital one?
- Break down your prep work into slots of time. You might allocate 60 minutes for decorations and 15 minutes for trying on outfits.
- Add short breaks or extra slots to handle any surprise delays.
- Create a master checklist so you know what task comes next.
- Start each session by setting the correct number of minutes and focusing on the task.
- When the time is up, move to the next item on your list, be it another task or break time.
Final words
Unlike clocks and other traditional time-telling devices, visual timers make you aware of time without distracting you from the task at hand. You will feel more in control and less stressed as you tick off tasks. For your next event prep, try a visual timer for a better overall experience.
