Since its inception, the American higher education system has been continuously evolving, but no change has had a greater impact on learners than the introduction of modern technology into the classrooms. Once a path only for the privileged elite who could manage the financial obligation and the time necessary to complete their schooling, today, a college degree is achievable for anyone with the ambition to make it happen. Flexible scheduling options, online classes, and prior learning assessments have opened doors for students everywhere, but with these new technologies come a new set of struggles.
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College students can now earn a degree while raising a family, managing a career, and maintaining a healthy personal life. While not always easy, finding work life balance is the secret to success for nontraditional college student. Brandman University, a leader in nontraditional degree programs, recently published an eBook to help students find balance while juggling the responsibilities of a college career. A Guide to Better Work Life School Balance is full of practical tips, inspirational quotes, and encouraging statistics that help prepare students for the changing world of higher education.
Benefits of a Balanced Life
Maintaining a level of balance in your life will help you achieve your educational goals without sacrificing your health, family, or career. This is crucial for your overall health and your educational and personal success. Practicing the art of balance produces many benefits, including:
- Reduced stress levels
- Job satisfaction
- A deeper involvement in your education
- A stronger connection with friends and family
- Improved health
How to Find a Balance Between Work, Life, and School
As a student juggling many life-roles, you must become adept at making time for your family, career, education, and your health. Here are some practical tips to find work life balance.
Time Management
- Set long term and short-term goals.
- Develop a daily and weekly schedule.
- Be mindful of your technology usage.
- Set realistic deadlines.
- Eliminate nonessential tasks.
Home, Family, and Relationships
- Schedule time for your family and personal responsibilities up front.
- Avoid relationships that drain your energy.
- Strengthen your support network.
- Find a quiet place to work.
- Outsource household tasks you don’t have time for: like cooking, cleaning, laundry, or dog walking.
Health
- Make time for sleep.
- Aim for 30 minutes of exercise before writing that big paper.
- Build fun and games into each and every day.
For a more in-depth look at how to find balance, check out the infographic below from Brandman University. The changing landscape of higher education makes a college degree an obtainable dream for millions of Americans, which means it is more important than ever to find a balance between your personal, professional, and educational life.