Having to manage college and work was already stressful before the pandemic hit. Now, there is the extra stress of transitioning to online work and college, having to worry about staying safe while in public, and dealing with the isolation of lockdowns. It is important to be able to balance all of these; therefore, here are five tips on how to do just that! Each tip has been ways that I have found to be the most helpful as a working student and hope that they work for you too!
1. Time management methodManaging your time is one of the most important things you have to do to reduce stress and be productive. The best way I have found to do this is a time management method that is called time blocking. I am sure you already have a calendar with when your classes are, any meetings you have, etc. Time blocking does the same thing but with each task that you have whether it be in relation to work, college, or personal. The difference is that you are dividing your tasks into blocks of time instead of going back and forth to it throughout the day. You assign each task a certain time on where you will solely focus on it. This time management method allows you, as a working student, to effectively balance between college, work and your personal life.
Watch these YouTube video to learn more:
Time-blocking 101 | How to Plan Your Day to Maximise Productivity by Shu Omi
Time Blocking with Google Calendar (Tutorial & Tips) by Simpletivity
In addition, here are three apps that I have found helpful in order to stay focused.
MyNoise
What is it: Provides seven different customisable noises for you be able to focus on your work.
Price: First seven noises are free, then €1.09 for each sound after.
Where to get it: Get it here on both web and app!
Forest
What is it: Allows you to “plant trees” if you make it to the allotted time you set without being on your phone. You can make a forest and others can see your progress.
Price: €2.29
Where to get it: Get it here for your phone!
RescueTime
What is it: An automatic productivity website that allows you to know how long you have been on certain sites and set up alarms to notify you on if you have gone over the allocated time you are allowed on the site for the day.
Price: Lite User is free and Premium User can be $79.99 (around €60) yearly or $11.99 (around €10) monthly.
Where to get it: Get it here on the web or phone!
Think you have apps that work better to stay focused? Let me know below by leaving a comment!
2. Create a space solely for college and work
It is easy, now that you are home, to just stay in your bed and do your work there. Even a study from 2012 found out that around 80% of young professionals work regularly from bed. Imagine how those stats would be currently! However, it is best to get out of that habit as quickly as possible! The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard believes that associating your bed with work affects your sleep; if you keep them both separate, you will have a stronger mental association between your bedroom and sleep. This is why you should have a desk or a certain spot in your accommodation where it is solely for work and school. For myself, I use my dining room table; therefore, I make sure to get out of bed each day to do my work. Because we are stuck at home, this is crucial to do as there are not many places for you to go.
How you sleep if you follow my tips:
How you sleep if you don’t:
3. Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Having a plan for everything is so helpful. As seen with the first tip (time management method), time blocking can help you plan your schedule and be more productive. However, preparing isn’t just in regards to your schedule. Preparing in advance for other things helps you reduce stress. Plan your meals by either making a plan or meal prepping each week. Here are numerous templates, both printable and digital, for meal planners that you can use. Furthermore, prepare anything you need for work if you are still going to work in person, the night before. This means setting out your work clothes, getting your bag ready, etc. in order for your mornings to be for getting a fulfilling breakfast and doing any other tasks beforehand! As a working student, you need to work smarter, not harder.
4. Create a support network
This relates to all aspects of your life. For college, talk to your lecturers. Emailing and introducing yourself to each lecturer and notifying them that you are a working student will help you in case you need to ask for extensions in the future. In addition, having a group of friends that you can work and get help with the assignments with will be able to allow you to deal with stress efficiently.
With your work, asking for help from your boss about balancing both, whether it be fewer hours scheduled or hours that better fit, will help in the long run. Having a supportive network at work where you can enjoy talking to each coworker will help as well.
Lastly, your friends and family are your personal network. This is important to have so you can have a separation from your work and college. Know that they are there for you!
If you need more support, here are a few resources for you:
Samaritans: Jigsaw:
FreePhone: 116 123 (for those aged 12-25 years old)
Email – jo@samaritans.org Talk online here
1 life Freephone (24hrs): Crisis Text Line:
1800 247 100 or text the word HELP to 51444 50808
5. Be prepared and be safe!
We have been in this pandemic for over a year now with lockdown being on and off. We all know the ways to be safe: wear a mask, wash your hands, use sanitizer, and follow COVID guidelines. Making sure you are safe will help you feel less stressed as you are doing all you can to not get sick. You are already stressing over how to manage college and work, by reducing the fear of getting sick by being safe, you can continue focusing on what is important.
I hope that these tips help you and that you successfully become able to manage college and work! Doing so means less stress on yourself and feeling better about your day. Just know that each tip can take time to acquire, so don’t worry if you don’t get the hang of them right away! Leave a comment if any of these work for you or if you have any of your own tips to give!
Check out Living La Vida Lockdown related blog posts below!
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