Balancing School, Work, and Life: Strategies for Students

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Imagine this: you’re in the middle of a tough week with lots of classes, a part-time job, and a big exam coming up. The pressure is huge, and it feels like there’s never enough time. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Studies show that 70% of college students are stressed about their grades. And about half of full-time students have jobs, with this number going up to 80% for part-time students. 

Students have a lot to juggle, which can make it hard to balance school, work, and personal life. Balancing these demands requires effective time management, prioritizing tasks, and setting realistic goals. Self-care is crucial; taking breaks, eating well, and getting enough sleep can significantly improve your productivity and mental health. Seeking support from friends, family, or campus resources can provide the encouragement and assistance needed to navigate tough times. Remember, it's okay to ask for help. By maintaining a balanced approach, you can manage your responsibilities without sacrificing your well-being. Ultimately, finding a healthy balance between school, work, and personal life is key to thriving in college. 

Time Management 

You have been so engaged in your studies that you completely skipped lunch and dinner. We've all experienced that at some point! It is quite common for students to start a task and forget that there are others that also need to be done. Time management is the key to getting your schedule organized. Start by figuring out which tasks are the most important and urgent, so you can set realistic goals. You can multitask if you really want to, but sometimes it's not the best option. For example, you have a major exam you are studying for tomorrow, and you also need to prepare dinner for yourself. You decide to study for the exam while cooking. You might overcook the food because you were too focused on your studies or make mistakes in your studies because you were busy checking on the food. Sometimes, multitasking can work, like taking a quick break to do your laundry. By prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively, you can avoid the pitfalls of multitasking and ensure both your studies and daily responsibilities are handled efficiently. 

There will be times when you feel like there's so much on your plate that you can't keep track of it all. That's when a good planner or digital calendar becomes invaluable. By organizing your tasks and deadlines, you can reduce stress and stay on top of your commitments, making your school experience more manageable and enjoyable. 

Digital Calendars: 

A digital calendar is a tool you can access on devices like your laptop or phone. It allows you to create events and set up notifications to remind you of important dates and tasks. Popular options include Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and TickTack. These tools help you visualize your day or week, offering more options to color-code each event and personalize the calendar to fit your needs and style. 

Planners: 

If you prefer a more hands-on approach and are not into digital tools, consider using a physical planner. A planner allows you to plan out your weeks or days in advance. You can customize it using colorful pens or pencils to make it unique to the specific tasks you want to highlight. Planners usually have bookmarks to help keep track of which week or month you are currently on. Once a task is finished, you can cross it off, helping you keep track of what things are done and what still needs attention. 

By using digital calendars and planners effectively, you can stay organized, reduce stress, and make your school experience more enjoyable! 

Managing Stress During Midterms and Finals: 

Knowing that midterm and final weeks are particularly stressful, what steps can you take to manage your workload and reduce stress? Consider using the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Set goals during the 25 minutes of studying, such as completing a certain amount of reading or focusing on a specific topic. During your break, do some stretches, exercise, or have a snack, but avoid doom scrolling on your phone as it can be distracting. Keep anything that might distract you away from your study spot, such as phones or games. 

Taking Care of Your Body 

As a student, taking care of yourself and your mental health is crucial as you try to balance work, school, and your personal life. Burnout happens when you feel extremely tired and stressed out because you've been working too hard for too long. It can make you feel worn out physically, emotionally, and mentally. Burnout can occur if you don't take enough breaks and try to do too many things at once. It's important to recognize the signs of burnout early and take proactive steps to recharge, such as taking breaks and practicing mindfulness. 

Meals: 

Meals are very important for our body, especially for re-energizing us to study. Not eating proper meals at certain times can really affect your focus. If you are hungry, it does not help you during the time you need to be motivated or active in your work or study. Different meals can cause different feelings in your brain. For example, having a sugary meal in the morning like cereal versus eating eggs and avocado can make a big difference. Healthy fats, such as Omega-3, Omega-6, polyunsaturated fats, and alpha-linolenic acid, can provide sustained energy for the day. 

Prepping Meals: 

Sunday is a great day for meal preparation for the entire week because it is the beginning of a busy week. You can prep three meals a day for five days, which is around 15-20 meals per week. If preparing in advance is too much and you do not like eating the same meal every day, try preparing the night before, knowing the next day will be busy until you get home. Alternatively, you can go to the store every evening if you want to have different meals each day and only shop for what is needed. 

Balancing Eating Out and Eating In: 

There will be days when you might be busy with school or work and have to order food delivery or eat out in the cafeteria. Keep in mind that delivery or eating out can be much more expensive, so try to find a balance. This can be done during a busy week, such as midterm and final weeks, when you would be spending the most time studying for your upcoming exams. 

Sleep and Doom Scrolling: 

Getting enough sleep is vital for your overall well-being and academic performance. Lack of sleep can leave you feeling exhausted and unable to concentrate the next day. To ensure you get the quality sleep your body needs, try setting a specific time to put away your devices and engage in relaxing activities like reading a book or practicing mindfulness before bed. This helps calm your mind and prepares you for a restful night. 

You might find yourself scrolling through social media, only to realize it's suddenly 1am or 2am. This habit can disrupt your sleep schedule and leave you feeling exhausted the next day. Limiting your screen time before bed can help calm your mind and ensure you get the quality sleep your body needs. The app Opal can lock apps at certain times, and Apple devices can set screen time limits to help you avoid doom scrolling and get better sleep. 

Building a Strong Support System 

A strong support system is crucial for balancing school, work, and life because it helps manage stress, boosts motivation, and enhances overall well-being. When you have people to talk to about your worries or get help with tasks, it makes challenges feel less overwhelming and more manageable. Here are three key supporters you can rely on: 

Friends and Family: 

Friends and family can help you focus on the next steps for addressing your concerns and provide a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings. They may offer advice, share responsibilities, and help with tasks, making it easier to manage your time and commitments. Having a strong network of friends and family can make a significant difference in how you handle stress and stay motivated. 

Classmates: 

Classmates provide emotional support, helping you feel connected and less isolated. They offer practical assistance by collaborating, sharing notes, and studying together, which can enhance your learning and academic performance. Building strong relationships with your classmates can create a sense of community and make your school experience more enjoyable. 

Professors: 

Professors are valuable resources due to their expertise and experience. They can give career and academic advice to help you navigate through challenges. Professors can also connect you with professional networks and opportunities such as research projects or internships. Utilizing office hours to discuss your goals and challenges can make it easier to succeed academically. 

By leveraging the support of friends and family, classmates, and professors, you can create a strong network that helps you manage stress, stay motivated, and achieve your goals. 

Keep Pushing Forward! 

Balancing school, work, and life can be challenging, but with effective time management, taking care of your body, and a strong support system, it becomes much more manageable. Time management is crucial; creating a schedule that prioritizes your tasks and allows for breaks can help you stay organized and reduce stress. Taking care of your body by maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough sleep ensures you have the energy and focus needed to tackle your responsibilities. Finally, having a support system of friends and family, classmates, and professors keeps you motivated and connected. By integrating these strategies, you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling experience, setting the foundation for future success! 

Sources 

1. “Balancing Work and School.” Mental Health America, www.mhanational.org/balancing-work-and-school. 

2. Picton, Aled. “Work-Life Balance in Medical Students: Self-Care in a Culture of Self-Sacrifice.” BMC Medical Education, vol. 21, no. 1, 6 Jan. 2021, bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-020-02434-5, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02434-5.  

3. Brown, Eric. “8 Practical Time Management and Study Strategies for Medical Students - SDN.” Student Doctor Network, 14 Nov. 2017, www.studentdoctor.net/2017/11/13/study-strategies-for-medical-students/. 

4. Martin, Connor. “How to Balance School, Work, and Personal Life: 7 Helpful Tips.” University of Cincinnati, 28 Oct. 2024, online.uc.edu/blog/work-school-life-balance/. 

5. American Psychological Association . “2023 Work in America Survey.” Apa.org, American Psychological Association, 2023, www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2023-workplace-health-well-being.