It is very easy not to have a work – life balance during your postgraduate degree. People in advanced degree tend to stick to only studying and seeing friends every other month. So some people’s routine may look like this majority of the time: Lectures, Room, Church, Studying, Job Applications and Lecture. I will call the routine ‘the work routine’. If this is you, this is unhealthy because a happier you is more likely to secure a job and get good grades. Therefore, enjoying the process with friends adds flavour to the entire master’s experience. It is all about balance.
It’s important that you make a conscious effort to make time for friends, explore new cities, and be a tourist in your own city whilst still studying hard to get that distinction. However, it is easier said than done, some people are applying for jobs during their degree whilst others have a 9-5 and attend evening classes so the question is where is the time for all this fun? I would personally say to have an evening or afternoon where you do something you truly enjoy with your loved ones. It is all about maintaining a healthy balance.
Here are some quick tips on how to maintain a healthy balance:
- Make a To-Do List
This is an underrated time management tool used by students and top CEOs alike. It is easier to see everything you have to do in a spreadsheet or notepad. I personally get endorphins ticking off my accomplished goals for the day. It helps to write all your goals for the week out and then break them into daily tasks.
- Adjust and Assess your working style
You should adjust and asses your working style whenever you feel overwhelmed and stressed . As a result, reflect and think about what time of the day you are more effective for studying and what time you can have fun without feeling guilty. This is a game of playing on your strengths. Know thyself and be true to yourself.
- Positive Mental Attitude
It is easy to feel lonely if all you do is study, apply for jobs and attend lectures. Loneliness breeds negative self-talk and that type of energy would only push you further away from your goals. You would have to be positive in your speech about yourself and your goals. Hanging out with friends also eases tension and stress as they tend to remind you of how awesome you are to them.
4.) Build a Support Network
As a student it is important you are part of a community. Connect with people on your course and build a community of people you can count on to help when you need information, there should be people that know your whereabouts at all times for safety purposes e.t.c.
I personally wish I made more time to enjoy my masters in London. I was sadly in the work routine for a good period of my masters. It was only towards the end I started enjoying the city and travelling. I do hope you have gained from this article and are ready to have a good work life balance.
By Adetola Babington-Ashaye
Image source: generalandmedical.com
Those to-do lists are like magic.