Tips on how to balance work and online learning

Balancing work and academic life is not easy. This is why some working professionals opt to do it online in order for them to properly balance their time for work and academic life. Though this advantage is at hand when taking an online program, it can still be extra challenging considering the varying demands the two commitments possess.

Here are some tips that will help you balance work and online learning.

1.Manage your time.

Time management is key in this kind of setup. You have to master this skill to attain both academic and professional success. With time for work readily set by your employer, it is up to you to allocate a period in your day that you can dedicate to your studies.

Identify the best time when you are already well rested from your professional duties before you engage in your online lessons. Allowing yourself to rest in between commitments will not only help you in managing your time better but also restores your energy and helps you focus more on your academic tasks. You can plan your schedule, make a weekly to-do list, and set your goals and deadlines for work and school related projects.

2.Be an achiever, not a perfectionist.

There’s nothing wrong with setting high expectations for yourself. What makes it complicated is when you set unrealistically high goals, either for work or school, to get other people’s approval. Failing to accomplish things for others may get in your head during the process and may affect your way of handling tasks. This may result to anxiety and depression or may cause a low self-esteem and lack of motivation. While in this type of routine, you can set high standards but make sure they are achievable. Do not feel down when you fail. Rather, be motivated. View mistakes as opportunities for growth and self-reinvention. Learn to enjoy the process, not just the outcome.

3.Practice a healthy lifestyle.

Juggling these two commitments requires energy and getting the right energy to perform well in both demands a healthy lifestyle. Practice eating healthy. One tip is to “meal prep” or to prepare your weekly meals beforehand to save more time for work and your studies. You can do this during the weekend or during rest days. Exercising is also a plus. This does not necessarily mean enrolling yourself to the gym, or running miles daily to get fit. You can find guide videos or tutorials online of a 20-minute hit workout and even yoga for beginners. In the new normal where most work is in work-from-home setup, find alternatives to still live an active lifestyle.

4.Relieve your stress.

Be kind to yourself by allowing yourself to rest whenever you feel tired and stressed from work and school. Resting well does not mean going on an out-of-town vacation. It can simply be just an 8-hour sleep or a hearty brunch at home. If it becomes unbearable, ask for help. Talk to your loved ones. People who have a strong network of family and friends manage stress better.

5.Practice positive self-talk.

Be optimistic. Your outlook, attitude, and thoughts, about your duties will influence the way you see things. There will be times when demands from either your work or studies will wear you out. And sometimes, this can make you ineffective in both commitments. It will be up to you to make the best out of stressful circumstances. Learn to see things in a different light. Find strength in your faith. In your family. In that goal you set for yourself.