Balancing work and distance-learning studies is by no means an easy feat.
Being able to handle your job responsibilities while meeting the demands of your distance-learning course can result in elevated stress levels that often become hard to manage.
Finding that balance comes down to creating a routine that caters to your daily life demands, whatever those might be.
Here are some ways that you can tweak your schedule to benefit your work-study schedule.
Time management: prioritising the important tasks
Once you embark on your distance-learning studies, you’ll very quickly realise that certain tasks have to be prioritised and old routines adjusted so as to be able to manage your time effectively.
Distance learning is no easier or less demanding than full-time studying so your schedule needs to change to accommodate the needs of your job and your studies. Figure out the hours you will need to use for studying and when, be it mornings, evenings, or weekends. Focus your energy wisely so as to avoid burnout.
Keep a diary
When you are trying to balance work and distance-learning study, the strain of trying to remember it all without writing it down very often becomes counter-productive. It’s so easy to forget tasks so be sure to take notes of everything, be this an assignment, your weekly or monthly schedule or any other important assignment.
Be sure to also have your study programme printed and easily accessible so you can properly plan for any upcoming courses and submission deadlines of projects and assignments.
Remember that it’s okay to relax
Pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion won’t help you achieve well – not in your job, nor your studies. Working and studying is a tiring endeavour but be vigilant of your breaking point, take care of your mental and physical wellbeing.
You’re allowed to relax, even if it’s just for 30 minutes every day. Further, eat well – healthily. What you consume and at what time will have a massive impact on your energy levels and mental clarity so feed your brain always the right fuel!
