Why Finding the Right Balance Matters for Students
When starting University, diving in headfirst might seem like the right path forward. It’s obviously incredibly important to focus fully on your studies and all the joys that education can offer, but you also have to remember there’s a life out there that needs living. Spending all your time studying and working can leave you burnt out, and you may find that you stop enjoying yourself. On the other hand, spending all your time focused on the social side of education can also leave you stressed and struggling with deadlines, poor results, and the potential of failing your classes.
Creating a Realistic Weekly Schedule for Work, Study, and Rest
Your classes will be mapped out pretty strictly, so you can build the rest of your schedule around this. Set in days to see pals, evenings to relax and unwind, and even mornings to get some good coffee with your fellow students or even hit the gym. Build this into your schedule, and you won’t have to struggle to find time for the things that you love.
Using Planners and Apps to Stay Organised and Avoid Overlaps
Your calendar is your best friend. Whether it’s on a paper nailed to your wall or the one on your phone, being able to check your schedule at a moment’s notice keeps your mind free to focus on what’s important. It means no more forgotten classes, no more double booking, and definitely no more panicked scrambling because you’ve missed an exam.
Prioritising Tasks and Setting Manageable Goals
Work and study come first! You don’t need us to tell you that. But once those important things are locked in, you can work out everything else around it. By getting ahead of your deadlines, planning sensibly, and not letting yourself down when it comes to what’s important, you make your own life much easier rather than fighting with schedules and missed deadlines.
Communicating With Employers and Tutors About Your Commitments
If at any point you feel like you’re burning the candle at both ends, speak to the people who have the most influence over your schedule. It’s better to let them know early that you’re struggling with your commitments than to let someone down or make a mistake. There’s nothing wrong with admitting you need help, and any decent employer will be happy to help if they can.
The Importance of Self-Care, Healthy Eating and Sleep
One thing that often goes by the wayside when students start at University is health and wellness. Sleep starts to take a backseat, cheap food becomes a feature due to restricted budgets, and stress begins to skyrocket, leading to a very unhealthy lifestyle. Make sure to eat as healthily as possible when you can, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep. All of these things will make the rest of your life easier as you’ll be able to function at 100% rather than fighting fatigue and exhaustion, as well as your deadlines. If you have a spare hour a few days a week, you can try attending a gym or exercise class. You can even set a daily step goal to achieve each day and keep yourself healthy.
Avoiding Burnout by Taking Breaks and Knowing Your Limits
Set realistic deadlines and stick to them so you’re not constantly chasing your tail. This avoids causing unnecessary chaos when things could be running smoothly. Be sensible with your workload and be kind with your downtime. Making sure you have time to relax, sleep, eat, and enjoy life between classes and exams means you’ll be better refreshed when the difficult times come.
Making Time for Socialising and Hobbies
Even if your chosen career path is challenging and technical, it’s important that you give yourself time to breathe so you don’t start to burn out. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying time outside of school, even if you’re busy. You can take up hobbies that help you feel happy and calm, and allow yourself to enjoy life outside of university. Whether it’s taking up a new instrument or writing a book to tick that creative part of your brain, or just setting a movie night every weekend with pals to unwind and enjoy.
Read More Tips for Students From The Student Energy Group Today
Check out our website for more articles on how to make the most of your student life without additional stress or burnout.
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