Posted November 15th, 2016
By Kris Powers
Many students say the holidays can be a somewhat overwhelming and stressful time. This can be true for online students in particular, as the studying doesn’t always stop when campuses are closed. Setting time management processes in advance can help beat the stress of juggling family obligations, holiday commitments, and your course load.
As you enter the busy holiday season, stay focused on your studies with these time management tips:
- Take a look at your calendar. Spend a few minutes penciling in assignment due-dates and necessary project preparation and study time. Then make note of the outside commitments the holiday season may bring. Take a realistic look at what events you can participate in and what invitations and activities you may need to turn down this year. If there are crunch times on the horizon, plan accordingly and complete coursework earlier in order to meet deadlines.
- Plan Ahead. If the holidays involve travel time for you, you’ll have to manage your time beforehand to take care of any projects or assignments that may be due while you’ll be out of town. Start early and save yourself unnecessary stress!
- Find a routine. We all have our own biological clock that manages our circadian rhythm. There are natural times during the day that our body is able to process alertness, body temperature, cognition, and stress. If you are a morning person or a night owl, align your heaviest study schedule for the times when you are most alert. And be in tune with your body, making sure to rest when your body needs it. High levels of stress and lack of sleep won’t leave anyone feeling their best over the holidays and can lower your immune system.
- Learn to prioritize. If school, family and social commitments all seem overwhelming, step back and take a deep breath. Focus on the things most important to you, and spread out tasks to avoid trying to do too much at once. Ask for help and understanding from friends and family.
- Stop procrastinating! Turn off the television, close out social media and put down your phones. Take a close look at your goals and due-dates. Find a quiet place to study. See assignments through to completion. The feeling of accomplishment will be awesome!
- Relax. Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises are all great ways to de-stress. Take the time to reduce stress and bring focus throughout your day using these techniques or by incorporating exercise into your routine. Finding the time to fit exercise into your day may be difficult, but you can always park further down in the lot and walk a longer distance to the store; take the stairs instead of the elevator, and more.
- Take time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work. The holidays often bring opportunities for special occasions with friends and loved ones. By employing time management techniques, you should be better able to take the time to enjoy family and friends, to get involved in community events and more – all while meeting your school obligations!
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By Kris Powers | November 15th 2016
