While it’s important to prioritise your studies, focusing solely on them can negatively impact your well-being and health. Finding the right balance between studying and personal time is both a skill and an art. It involves managing your time well and understanding what matters most to you.
This guide aims to be a pocket guide to help you manage deadlines, class projects, exams and placements without missing out on life’s important moments. There isn’t one perfect method for everyone, but this guide aims to offer something useful for all.
Why balance matters
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that being busy and exhausted means you’re working hard. But if you don’t take care of yourself, this attitude can hurt your mental health, productivity, and overall well-being.
Taking time for hobbies and spending time with loved ones is not something to feel guilty about. Recognising that your personal life is important for your academic success is the first step toward a healthy balance. A balanced life is key to staying healthy and performing well academically. When you’re not stressed and overwhelmed, you’ll find it easier to concentrate, retain information, and overall academic performance.
Recognising the challenges
Balancing studies and personal life can be tough because there are many obstacles to overcome. As the term goes on, the workload from classes, assignments, and studying usually increases, leaving you with less free time.
If you have a part-time job, you’ll likely need to work 10-20 hours per week as an international student, or even more depending on your circumstances. While this is an extra time commitment, it has its benefits. Besides earning money, a job provides a chance to socialise, a break from studying, and add a variety into your routine. But remember, it still takes up your time.
Once you do manage to set aside time to study, it can be hard to stay focused, especially if you’re feeling tired or unmotivated. A busy schedule can make you feel drained and less interested in studying.
Additionally, you may have other responsibilities to tend to. Whether it’s family, hobbies, classes, or any other commitments, trying to juggle all these things can make finding balance challenging.
All this begs the question: How can you manage to keep everything in balance?
Effective time management
Mastering time management is key to finding balance. It takes practice and effort, but it’s a skill worth developing.
Good time management helps your get the most out of your study sessions. The better you can manage your workload, the more free time you’ll have. It can be challenging, but there are plenty of tools to help, like apps and other software that make managing your time easier.
This skill is not only valuable for maximising your study efforts but also for effectively organising your week. The goal is to use your time wisely so you can enjoy more of your favourite activities. Regularly reviewing how you spend your time can help you spot areas for improvement.
Look for ways to multitask, like listening to an audiobook while cooking, or thing about lengthening your study sessions to reduce how often you study. Good time management leads to many small wins that add up to big success.
Self-care and well-being
Self-care is often overlooked but is essential for staying focused and productive. A good self-care routine includes things like getting enough sleep, maintaining a well-balanced diet, and prioritising physical health through regular exercise.
Practices like meditation or simply disconnecting from electronic devices for an hour can also help clear your mind. By making self-care a priority, you build a strong foundation for better performance and a more balanced life.
Remember, doing well in school is closely linked to taking care of your body and mind. Ignoring your well-being can affect your studies. Sometimes, taking time for yourself is the best way to improve your grades. Overworking yourself can lead to burnout, which is hard to fix.
Maintaining a social life
Humans are naturally social creatures, and having a strong social life is essential for our well-being and happiness. Connecting with others isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Social activities and relationships are important for our emotional health. They give us a sense of belonging and support, and they help us unwind from the pressures of work and studies. Spending time with others can reduce stress and improve our mood.
A good social life means having people to celebrate our successes with and lean on during tough times. It means having a network of friends who are there to listen, offer advice, and provide comfort when you need it. Even when you’re short on time, making space for social connections is key to staying healthy and happy.
Setting realistic goals and avoiding burnout
When setting study goals, make sure they’re achievable and in line with your overall learning plans. Finding the right balance helps you make progress and stay motivated. Setting unrealistic goals or putting too much pressure on yourself can lead to stress and hinder your learning. It’s important to approach goal-setting with a mindful and strategic approach, allowing yourself room for growth and adaptation along the way.
To combat burnout, it’s important to adjust your study goals without feeling guilty. Regular breaks and not being constantly “on” are crucial for your well-being. Success isn’t just about reaching the end; it’s also about moving at a pace that works for you.
Balancing studies and personal life is an ongoing process. It’s about adjusting your approach as things change. Think of your learning journey as a marathon, not a sprint. And in every marathon, knowing when to pace yourself is just as important as crossing the finish line.
Embrace the journey towards balance. Regularly check in with yourself and assess your well-being. Prioritise what matters most and blend your personal life with your studies smoothly. Consistent effort is key to living a well-rounded and balanced life.