Between your job, your family, volunteer commitments and other obligations, it can seem nearly impossible to find time to manage your online classes. Your schedule is packed tight with your family, friends, and work. Adding extra time for online classes, studying and homework can be difficult. Adapting skills to balance these demands can be the key to your success in completing your college degree.
Follow these tips from students who have ‘been there, done that,’ to help balance your busy schedule:
1. Schedule everything. Use a calendar to map out your commitments and identify your priorities so you don’t miss anything. Leslie Thompson, a current MBU student, says she maps out her priorities at the beginning of each week, scheduling every action item and leaving room for surprises. A shared calendar such as Google allows everyone to see one another’s schedules so you can better coordinate with your family, babysitters or coworkers.
2. Multitask. Sure, you have a lot to do, but you can accomplish many small tasks in between other tasks to make it less overwhelming. For example, you can tackle a Saturday study session while finishing the laundry. Each time the dryer signals, take a five-minute study break. Similarly, you can bring your notes with you to review while you wait in carpool lines or during your lunch break at work.
3. Make time work for you. Nicole Price, a current MBU student, sets aside every evening to do her homework for her online classes, after her kids go to bed so she can focus on her family while they’re awake. Although it sometimes means staying up late to finish, she feels less stressed knowing that she has that time to focus.
4. Listen to music. According to scientists at Stanford University, in California, the Mozart Effect happens when students perform better on learning and memory tests after listening to a specific Mozart sonata. But it’s not just limited to Mozart, any type of classical music you enjoy can help relieve stress and improve your performance.
5. Incorporate prayer. At our busiest, it can sometimes be difficult to remember our priorities: God, family and self. Time spent in prayer, reading the Bible can help relieve anxiety and improve your perseverance, planning and preparation.
6. Take care of yourself. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and will help you stay sharp so you can focus on your course work. Be sure to eat the right foods, get enough sleep and exercise, and try meditation and additional prayer to help stay at your best.
7. Take a ‘Brain Break.’ Sometimes you just need to step back and take a deep breath. Do something light and fun, like watch your favorite television program or read a magazine. You’ll come back to your studies refreshed and ready to work harder.
Be prepared to meet obstacles with grace and understand that everything will eventually get done. After all your hard work, you’ll have your college degree. In the meantime, celebrate your dedication to accomplishing this milestone.
Resources:
https://news.usc.edu/71969/studying-for-finals-let-classical-music-help/
http://www.howtolearn.com/products/mozart-effect/
