Time blocking is a common practice used to divide your day into blocks of time where you focus on one task for a specific block of time (e.g., one or two hours). Creating time blocks helps manage your time and spread the workload into more manageable sprints throughout the day or week.
Planning your week in advance can help you understand what your deadlines are at school and what obligations or appointments you have in your personal and work lives. Start by blocking out the time for activities that can’t be moved, such as work or appointments, and add all your deadlines for the week.
This method works great paired with time blocking. Create micro goals for each task focusing on what you need to do now to achieve the short goal. For example, complete reading for class A in the next hour or complete the outline for the final paper today.
It is easy to keep putting things off because we are busy or simply just don’t want to deal with them in the moment. But getting into the habit of getting things done and not procrastinating is key to managing a busy workload.
Always make sure to schedule some downtime for yourself! Whether using the time to meditate, exercise, socialize or simply take a hot bath, we need to prioritize downtime in our daily lives. Decompressing by taking time for yourself is critical to help you keep going for the long haul.
Asking for help is not a weakness, it is a sign of maturity, perseverance, and grit. Your family, friends, professors, and even neighbors can be a pillar of support during busy times.
Most importantly, don’t forget that your Student Success Coach is here to help you succeed and accomplish your goal of completing your degree. Your coach can help you identify resources available to you and help you get in touch with the right people at your school. They are here to guide and support you on your graduate school journey.
