Balancing Work, Life, and Online Classes – The Challenges
Richard L. Benbow, III, MBA, MA
Vice President, West Region @ Western Governors University | MBA
Online higher education has transformed the way individuals can pursue their academic aspirations while managing other commitments. The flexibility and convenience offered by online learning platforms have made it possible for working professionals to access quality education without compromising on career advancement opportunities. However, this newfound freedom comes with its own set of challenges – particularly when trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance. In this three-part series, I will explore some common difficulties students face in achieving a balance between academics, professional obligations, and personal lives during an online educational journey. I will also provide practical tips and strategies that help learners stay motivated throughout their journey while still meeting all responsibilities outside of the educational setting .
1. Create a Routine and Stick to It
To optimize your learning potential and avoid burnout while juggling work and study commitments it is essential to set specific hours for each activity. Determine when you are most alert during the day or week by assessing peak productivity times then allocate those periods exclusively towards studying instead of wasting time on distractions like social media or television shows that drain focus away from academic goals. Similarly, identify work hours so they don’t overlap with designated study sessions which could lead to exhaustion over time leading up until exam dates – an unhealthy approach! By establishing clear boundaries between these two areas in life one can maintain a healthy balance without sacrificing either aspect unnecessarily due to poor planning or mismanagement of schedules.
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As an online higher education student, juggling multiple responsibilities can be challenging. Prioritizing tasks is key in managing time effectively and minimizing stress and feeling overwhelmed. Start by creating a list of all your duties then rank them based on urgency or importance levels. This approach helps maintain organization while ensuring sufficient time for each task without causing undue stressors. Remember to set realistic expectations when deciding how much time should be allocated per task so that you don’t feel pressured into completing everything at once!
2. Create A Study Space
It’s essential that your study space provides an environment conducive to concentration without interruption. If possible, consider setting up a designated home office or designating a specific corner of the house for studying purposes only. Ensure proper lighting and eliminate any potential distractions such as noise pollution or cluttered surroundings. Ergonomic furniture choices can also help promote good posture during extended periods spent studying which reduces physical discomfort levels over time.
To maximize your productivity when studying, it is crucial to create a mental separation between this space and other areas in which you live. By associating the study area with learning activities like reading or writing assignments exclusively, one can train their brain to enter an optimal state of focus whenever they enter that room. It is best not to use this zone for socializing or watching TV shows since these actions may distract from achieving academic goals efficiently. Instead, prioritize using this designated location solely as a place where work gets done without any interruptions whatsoever!
In the next article, I will continue with more tips to help maintain a good life balance as an online learner.