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Post-secondary years are stressful for most. There are assignments, exams and readings all piled on top of each other, not to mention juggling a part-time job for some. It can be hard to balance all your duties – but it is not impossible.
All it takes to accomplish your goals is some inventive thinking. It allows you to perform duties on tight deadlines, complete tasks more quickly and efficiently, and have more time for yourself. Most importantly, you’ll be less stressed. Don’t know where to start? Here are some tips:
- Skim through the readings.
Read quickly, and avoid overthinking certain passages. Highlight and make notes in your book (if it’s not a library book). This way, you can refer back to your book if you need to, but avoid spending too much time taking notes. Make your notes brief phrases rather than full sentences to save yourself some time. - Try to schedule time in advance to complete homework and study.
Put away a few hours here and there to study and complete assignments, especially when you have to work. Have readings to do? Do them on the bus or subway. You’d be amazed how much you can complete while commuting. - Eliminate distractions.
Put away your cell phone, stay off social networking and avoid instant messenger when doing homework. You may just accomplish more than you expected. - Take fewer courses.
When you are selecting your courses, try not to take on an unreasonable load. See what has worked for you in the past, and go from there. If this is your first year of school, take a look at the required credits per year for your program. You may even wish to see an academic advisor to help you choose the right amount of courses. They may be able to help you choose the right combination of courses that range from lightweight to a heavier workload. - Take time off work to complete assignments, if you need to.
If you’ve tried all of the above and you still aren’t finishing your work, take time off from your job. This should ease your stress and give you ample time to do your homework. Try not to do this too often, though – you don’t want to get in trouble or get fired.
Managing your workload while in school can be tiresome. By avoiding distractions, skimming through readings, assigning time for homework, taking no more than the required number of courses, and taking time off work when necessary, you can reduce stress. Don’t dwell on your workload. Do something about it.