Balancing the demands of school, work and family takes grit and careful planning. Here are five tips that you can use to stay sane while achieving your goals.
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1. Get organized from the start.
With everything on your plate, it’s extremely important to stay organized and schedule your time effectively.
Keep an updated calendar of important dates that include class exams, family commitments, and work deadlines. Before the beginning of each week, review your to-do list for the coming days and make sure to set aside specific times to focus on other things like homework, laundry, and the gym. (Don’t forget to add some buffer time for any unexpected surprises that sneak up on you!) Setting reminders on your phone is also a good way to stay on track.
2. Get your family involved.
Work out a schedule with your significant other. Maybe your spouse/significant other can pick up a few other tasks during your extra-busy days.
If you have children, why not do your homework together? You’ll get to keep an eye on them, while also spending time together.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.
When things get overwhelming, it’s ok to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to relatives, close friends, or neighbors to pitch in when your load is too heavy. If you communicate with your boss about your commitments, you may get some added flexibility to your workload.
4. Make time for yourself.
After you’ve dedicated so much time and energy to meet the needs of your teachers, family, coworkers, and friends, don’t forget about your own needs—you won’t make it to graduation if you burn out along the way.
Be sure to find some way to treat yourself, recuperate, and reenergize. Spend time with friends, do something you love, or even just take a moment to relax by yourself. While this won’t melt all your stress away, it will help you stay sane!
5. Keep your eye on the prize.
Perhaps you chose to go back to school for a pay raise, new career, or simply to better your future. When you start feeling overwhelmed, remember that your hard work towards your goal—a well-earned future—will all be worth it in the end.
