6 Tips for Managing Your Time While Working Towards Your Degree

After much consideration, you have decided to pursue a new path with education. Congratulations! Your family and friends are happy for you, you are excited to be moving forward – now what? Your life may already feel full with family, work, social or community commitments – and now the holidays. You may be wondering how you will balance it all.  

You will. Here are some simple tips to help manage your time and not to have it manage you while finding time for yourself.  

1. GET ORGANIZED 

Manage your time or it will manage you. Your calendar is key. You know your memory and learning style best. You may need a digital calendar or a paper one, depending on your preference. Put everything on there and set advance reminders. Review in the morning and before bedtime.  

2. SCHEDULE ME TIME 

Schedule time for you first. Schedule time for rest and refueling as this can disappear when considering other responsibilities. At least 30 minutes a day for exercise, reflection and refueling work for many people. 

3. PUT ALL MANDANTORY COMMITMENTS FIRST.  

Add all fixed-time commitments on the calendar. School, work, children's drop off and pick up times need to be there, as well as time for grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry and bill paying. If you live with other people, getting them to pitch in can be a tremendous help. 

4. STICK TO A SCHEDULE, EVEN ON YOUR DAYS OFF. 

What do successful people seem to have in common? They follow a schedule where they focus on a strong start in the morning and save meetings and routine tasks for the afternoon.  

5. HAVE A BACKUP PLAN.  

To paraphrase the African proverb, it takes a village. There may be times when the day takes an unexpected turn, and we need a friend to pick up the children or ask a family member to help start a meal for us. Ask friends and family in advance to be available in case these emergencies arise. Success takes the help of others.  

6. CELEBRATE 

It is the most joyful time of the year. Take time after dinner to see holiday lights, bake some quick bread for friends and neighbors, and put your feet up. What is the most precious gift we can give? Our time. A night at the movies, happy hour together, a walk in the Commons, a visit to a museum all offer unique opportunities to reconnect. Give gift certificates for these experiences to those you love. While they may cost little, they offer priceless memories. Here are more ideas and a template for designing your own gift certificates.  

We know that balancing college, work and life can be challenging. At Bay State, we have the Solution Center to help guide you to resources to support your journey. To reach the Solution Center, please email solutioncenter@baystate.edu  Happy holidays, everyone!