Self-Study Tips: How I Balanced Working Full-Time without Losing my Mind
Hey there!
This week, I’m diving into a topic that often causes stress, especially for those who are new to self-study or juggling full-time jobs and studies. Let me share some insights on this, and remember, I’m no stranger to the struggle either — finding the right study schedule is an ongoing journey for me too.
Back in 2018, when I began my self-learning journey, nailing down a study routine was a real challenge, especially with my demanding schedule working in Lagos from Mondays to Saturdays. But I didn’t let that deter me. Here’s how I tackled it:
1. Start Small, Build Steadily: I kicked things off with just an hour of study on weekdays and ramped it up to two hours on weekends. I even squeezed in 30 minutes during my break at work and another 30 minutes before bed.
2. Trial and Error: I experimented with various study times to see what hours worked best for me. Through trial and error, I discovered that my golden hours for absorption were between 11 am and 1 pm, as well as anywhere from 10 pm to 3 am.
3. Efficient Use of Odd Hours: I made use of those odd hours when I felt most productive. This sometimes meant studying during unconventional times, but it was all about maximizing the moments when my brain was fired up.
4. Flexible Consistency: While life can throw curveballs, I aimed for consistency, even if it meant adapting my study hours to fit unexpected changes. Some days I’m able to do just an hour of study and other days 4 hours. The point is to do something every chance you get and staying committed.
5. Active Breaks: I incorporated short breaks during longer study sessions to keep my mind fresh and focused. Sometimes, a 10-minute scroll on my socials or a bit of stretching can work wonders.
6. Leverage Technology: I leaned on technology to stay organized. Tools like scheduling apps (HabitNow Daily Routine Planner) and task managers kept me on track and reduced mental clutter. I have had a study alarm for over 2yrs, this way I don’t have the “I forgot” excuse.
7. Reflect and Adjust: Periodically, I took a step back to evaluate my progress and make necessary adjustments to my study routine. Flexibility is key to keeping things effective.
8. Community: When the going got tough, I found solace in online communities. Engaging with like-minded individuals injected a fresh dose of motivation into my learning journey. Having a supportive parent has also helped me a great deal.
Remember, finding your ideal study routine takes time and adaptability. What matters is staying committed to your learning journey, whether you’re tackling it after work hours, during unconventional time slots, or on weekends. It’s about making every moment count. Slowly but surely, no pressure.
Stay tuned for more insights, and let’s conquer those study goals together! 📚
Until next time, find me where the good guys are!