Studying for a degree is incredibly challenging, and even more so when the other commitments in your life are still demanding attention! You know that your degree needs to be your number one priority, but you still want to see your family friends and occasionally do things other than studying. Thinking about fitting everything is pretty overwhelming, but it can be done.
Planning and Boundaries
The most important thing that you can do for yourself is to plan your time. In other words, mark any deadlines on your calendar and ensure that you start doing the work for them enough in advance that you can approach it at a relaxed pace. You can also use your calendar to tell you how much socializing to plan in. For example, if you have an assignment due, planning on a drunken weekend a few days prior is probably not going to be helpful to you!
Be sure to set boundaries with your family and friends. Let them know that they are still important to you, but that your focus has to be on your work. Most people will be understanding of this. You can also set physical boundaries, create a space in your home where you will go to do your work, and make it clear that you are not to be disturbed when you are in your study space.
Find a Way for Your Hobbies to Support Your Degree
Although you need to prioritize your schoolwork, it’s important to keep doing the things that make you happy as well, otherwise you run the risk of becoming quite miserable!
If your hobby is a sport it can benefit your learning, as the increased endorphins from physical activity will mean you are more focused. Some studies have even shown that exercise can help you retain information.
If you are very serious about a sport, you could consider using it to pay for your college education. If you can persuade the coach of a college team that you will be an asset to them, then you are likely to receive some help with funding your degree because they will really want you to attend their school.
If scholarships are something that you’d like to look into, have a look at asmscholarships.com. ASM can help you to navigate securing a scholarship and they have a track record of helping athletes to reach their goals.
Go Outside Every Day
Going outside is vitally important for both your physical and mental well-being. Make sure that you go outside at least once each day, even if it’s only for ten minutes.
Use Your Travel Time Wisely
Audible is possibly one of the most powerful subscriptions a student can take out. Use it to listen to your college books while you are walking or on public transport to really make the most of your time.
Use Quiet Periods to Your Advantage
There will be times throughout the college year when you don’t have as much work to do, which is great as it’s important not be working flat out all the time! However, what you can do with these quiet periods is prepare for the times when things aren’t so relaxed. Batch cook some healthy meals for yourself or take the time to make your study sanctuary exactly as you want it.Do anything that will help you take better care of yourself when you are drowning in schoolwork.
