If you’re studying, whether that be at high school or university and you have a job, you may be all too familiar with the challenge of not having enough time. If it feels like you’re drowning under essays on Shakespeare or finding it tough to sit through a two hour lecture after you’ve finished your shift, you're not alone.

Between what can feel like endless study, work, socialising and other commitments, balancing our time across all our responsibilities can be hard work! But before you give it all up, we’ve come up with some ways you can get that balance back.

Prioritise your commitments

The reality is that when we're balancing work and study, we may have to temporarily say no or reduce our involvement in other activities. Make a list of your non-negotiable activities and commitments, then see how much time is left over for the 'nice-to-do' activities as well as some down time. While we also need time for fun and friends, try not to over-schedule yourself to avoid burning out.

Level up your organisational skills

Start using to-do lists, planners, post-it notes and a calendar. Go digital with smart phones and apps, and/or go old school with a calendar on your wall! Plan and write down assignment due dates, exam times, study commitments and work shifts for each day and week. Not only will you pride yourself on your organisational skills but you’ll have a much better chance of getting your assignments handed in on time. Add in your loved one’s birthdays to the calendar as well, to make sure you really don’t forget this time!

Stay healthy

We need to be mentally and physically well in order to give our best at school, university or work. But eating healthy and staying fit doesn’t have to mean broccoli and burpees. Instead, find enjoyable options that won’t make you want to give up after the first push up. Whether you're into the gym, team sports, Youtube workouts, dancing, walking, stretching, or yoga, make it something you enjoy so that you'll stick with it. Fuel your brain and body with nutritious and delicious foods, and drink enough water to stay hydrated. Avoid the all nighters and try to get 7-9 hours sleep each night. Not only will your body thank you by giving you more energy to finish your assignment or shift, but you may also get the added benefits of improved memory and mood.

Speak up

If you’re feeling like you can’t manage everything you’ve got going on, don’t be afraid to chat to your boss about changing shifts or reducing your hours around assignment or exam times. And if there's been some stuff going on in your life, speak to your school or university about possible assignment extensions. This way you’ll have less to worry about when exam period comes and you’re not staying up until 4am cramming and surviving off Red Bull and takeaway.

While the stress of studying may lead you to think of ways to make things easier, it's extremely important that you don't use cheating websites. Australia's university regulator, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, has now blocked access to some of the most-visited cheating sites. If you're struggling with your course load, have a chat to your course supervisor or speak to someone at your uni student help centre. You can even talk to one of our Sonder team members who can provide support.

Stay connected to your goals and purpose

Committing to study and professional goals usually involves some sacrifices. Try to stay connected to your goals to keep you motivated and positive. Yes, while you may need to miss the occasional night out to finish off an assignment, just know that it won’t be this way forever. Celebrate all your progress and wins, big and small, and know that you've got this!

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