Blog

Balancing Work, Life, and Online Studies

Mastering Time Management: Making the Most of 24 Hours

If time were a pizza, I'd order a double cheese with free slices. But that’s not going to work, so I needed to plan out how I was going to do it. My secret? Structure and prioritization.

I use Google Calendar a lot to schedule my working hours, classes, and free time. There is so much whirling activity taking place that without planning, it's way too easy to feel bogged down. I time block, setting aside specific slots for work, studying and personal activities, to prevent whack moments.

Another rule I swear by is the 2-minute rule: If it takes less than two minutes to do, I do it right away instead of letting a bunch of things build up. It keeps my to-do list from getting too long. I also group similar activities into categories like emails, readings, and assignments so that I can get those done in one sitting rather than constantly toggling between kinds of work and getting distracted.

Online Learning: The Ultimate Game-Changer

The best thing about learning online? Flexibility. Even though I'm not going to a university or attending a more structured classroom setting. I can still learn at my own pace, on my own schedule. Whether I’m watching taped lectures during the day at work or reviewing notes in the evenings, online learning works perfectly with my lifestyle.

With systematic courses, easy access to documents, and open timelines, it is even easier to learn online with platforms like SSODL. Which means that I never have to worry about whether or not it will still be available to me. And since what I learn directly applies to the job I’m doing, the experience is even more rewarding.

The Art of Saying No: Setting Boundaries

I was a yes woman, saying yes to extra work, spontaneous social activities, and last-minute favors. But I quickly realized that saying yes to everything leads to burnout. Now, I am a pro at declining without the guilt pangs.

I set healthy boundaries with work, friends and family. If I am having a big study period or need a break, then I don’t hesitate to say no to an invitation or delegate work when possible. I have also made a habit of turning off notifications I don’t need, especially when I’m studying.

Studying Smart, Not Hard

Online learning is full of invitations to binge-watch lectures and take endless notes. But I’ve found that studying smart is the best way to study, not just studying a lot.

The Pomodoro technique has been a game changer for me. I study for 25 minutes straight, then take a 5-minute break to reset my focus. Mind maps and flashcards work better than reading me pages of notes; they’re visual stimuli. I also tend to explain key concepts in ways that anyone can understand; if I can teach it to someone else, then I can be sure that I’ve really learned it.

Being accountable is another important aspect of smart learning. And of course, I use online tools and AI-powered platforms to simplify learning, from auto-summaries to quick research again.

Working Smarter to Avoid Burnout

Since my work pays the bills, I cannot afford to slack. But I also don’t want work to take over my entire life. This way, to find a balance, I stick to specific work hours and do not check emails late into the night unless I have to. I have made sure to negotiate with my employer on the matter of my studies as well, which has granted me some leeway when needed.

From email templates to scheduling tools to task management apps, I use every time-saving device imaginable to a fault. I also let go of the myth of multitasking. I have found that doing one thing at a time has made me much more productive than trying to do multiple things at once.

Prioritizing Health, Sleep, and Self-Care

I learned the hard way that sacrificing sleep and self-care for productivity is not the answer. Today, sleep is sacred for me; when I get enough of it, I can show up better in all areas of my life.

Even if the only thing I do is some stretching or a short walk, exercise is now a key part of my daily routine. And while instant noodles are convenient, I habitually eat real, nutritional meals so that I can sustain my energy levels.

Self-care isn’t just about physical wellness; it’s about mental wellness, too. Whether it’s meditating for a few minutes, scrolling memes, or taking breaks to watch an episode of something, I make sure to sneak in little bits of joy throughout my day.

Keeping Motivation High with Rewards

It can be very overwhelming for me to balance all of that, which is why I keep myself motivated by setting small goals and rewarding myself when I meet those goals. Sometimes it’s as simple as rewarding myself with chocolate after completing an arduous task. Tracking my progress also inspires me; I look back at how far I’ve come and it keeps me moving.

Final Thoughts: Online Learning Makes It Possible

Thanks to e-learning, I don’t need to choose between investing in my career and enjoying my free time. I can have both! Fine, it's all about having very clear boundaries and a little self-care (so you don't go insane and can actually do some work while still living your life).

It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely possible with the right mindset. And then, when none of that works—there’s coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

- Deepika Jangir (MBA)