How to Balance Life & Studying

How to Balance Life & Studying

Contrary to popular belief, college is not all fun. When one is a student, they spend most of their time either in class or in the library. Although there are other extracurricular activities, most only focus on the learner’s cognitive ability. While in college, there is little time for social life, and students rarely have time to go out with friends or visit a loved one. Here are several tips you can apply to establish a balance between life and studies.

• Make a Timetable
  As a student, you know when you have classes. Thus, it is possible to create free time. With a timetable, you can allocate time to all the activities you need to do in order of importance. It is crucial to prioritize school, and then other things can follow. In the timetable, you should also create some break time where you can relax.

• Remain Committed
  Planning is easy but implementing is always tricky. As a student, you must be committed to your plans if you want success. This is especially difficult since no one will be monitoring you. In such a case, a good idea is to look for an accountability partner. This could be a friend or a fellow student with the same goals as you. Request them to hold you accountable if you fail to stick to your plans.

• Set Boundaries
  In striving for a school-life balance, you must be willing to make some sacrifices. Your goal is not to excel in one area and fail in another. You will therefore have to inconvenience some people who may need your attention, but you cannot be available. This will require a lot of assertiveness. You must learn to say no when necessary, even if it will make some people unhappy.
  
  
  Today, it is very easy easy get distracted by things like social media and other forms of entertainment. You need to set boundaries for them, also. If you need to use social media, allocate time for it and stick to the schedule.

• Get a Part Time Job
  Although this may seem counterintuitive, it is a good idea. Often, it is when you are busy that you get a lot done. Getting a job while at school will help you manage your time better. If you know you have a test tomorrow and have to go to work, you will spend your time wisely. In addition, the job will earn you money which you can use to take care of your basic needs. Work is also an opportunity to meet other people and make new friends. This is very crucial for expanding your social network.

• Take One Task at a Time
  Multitasking can be detrimental when trying to balance life and school. It takes much energy and gets little done. It is, therefore, critical to make sure you complete one task before moving on to the next. This will also help you to focus entirely on the next task.

• Avoid Procrastination
  When you embark on a task, make sure you complete it. Procrastination will only add more pressure on you at the last minute. As a student, make sure you start studying for your final exams as early as possible.

• Take Care of Your Health
  To maintain your mental and physical health, eat well and get enough sleep. When you are busy, you tend to neglect your health by failing to exercise and eating fast foods. Some people claim they do not have time to cook. Even though you would prefer eating in a restaurant, make sure it is a nutritious meal.

• Be Flexible
  With technology, you can study on your laptop while sitting in a restaurant or riding on a bus. You can even listen to an audiobook while taking your morning jog. Such techniques will help you achieve more with less time.

Balancing life and school is doable but will require commitment. As you pursue it, you need to set realistic goals. You should not expect to be perfect at it. When you fail to keep one commitment, it does not mean you’re a failure. Wake up tomorrow with renewed vigor and try again!