Can you imagine being Santa Claus? Think about it. You would have to manage an entire toy-making workforce, care and tend to flying reindeer, stay healthy in the wake of an inevitable yearly cookie overload, and fly around the world delivering gifts to every boy and girl who made the elusive “nice” list. As hard as the mythical jolly old fellow works, he’s got nothing on you, the student balancing school, work, and a family.
Juggling the responsibilities of school, family life, and busy work schedules during the holidays is something even experts of time management need a little help with occasionally. As we make our way toward the holiday season, enjoy the gift of these tips for balancing school, family, and the rest of your life like the super student you are!
What is a super student?
Although the term super student can imply that we’re only evaluating someone’s scholastic prowess, a true super student excels at harmonizing all aspects of life, in and out of the online classroom. Some noticeable characteristics of a super student include:
Responsible: Super students step up and take responsibility for their actions. They do not blame others for their mistakes and take charge of situations to make sure that deadlines are met, and promises are fulfilled.
Reliable: Whether finalizing a project on Ancient Rome or finishing a holiday-themed project with their children, super students come through when they make a commitment to their friends, family, co-workers, and peers.
Proactive: A super student who can balance work, life, and school knows when to take the steps necessary to plan for the unknown. They can identify potential problems and address them before they can negatively affect the current goal and undermine the hard work already put forth.
Cognizant of surroundings: There is a time to study, a time to work, and a time to relax with family. Super students make sure to be present and give their attention to the task and people at hand.
Time manager: Hard work and dedication are hallmarks of a super student. A super student is highly adept at budgeting their days and managing their time to include all the important people and activities in their lives. While they strive for academic honors, they also strive to be an involved parent, dedicated employee, and a dependable friend.
Cheermeister: Selflessness is a trait that many of us strive for but that super students embody. They want personal success like anyone else, but they also take the extra step of cheering on those around them and encouraging the people in their lives to be successful as well.
Why you need proper work, school, and family life balance
Figuring out how to balance work, school, and family life can help you find happiness and truly enjoy the holidays. Stress, anxiety, and being pulled in a million different directions tend to impact not only your grades, but your work and family life as well. Poor health, including chronic headaches, stomach issues, elevated blood pressure, and trouble sleeping are just a few examples of the negative effects of stress as pointed out by Psychology Today. Loss of focus and poor eating habits are also potential risks of an unbalanced lifestyle, all of which contribute to a less than heartwarming holiday season.
Holiday stress statistics to consider
According to a poll by the American Psychological Association, 25% of Americans reported being “extremely stressed” during the holidays, with 69% of them citing a perceived “lack of time” as their primary reason.
It’s not a secret that the holidays tend to sneak up on us, and before we know it, family and friends are flooding into our homes, gifts are being exchanged, and chaos seems to rule the days. It has become so overwhelming that a whopping 45% stated they would prefer to skip certain holidays all together in order to dodge the stress they feel.
But have no fear; we’ve got some great ways to help you cope. The University of Arizona Global Campus stands behind our students, and we understand this time of the year is busy for you and your family. And if you ever do feel the stress of the holiday season, we urge you to reach out to the Student Advocate Helpline. It’s important to remember that no student at the University of Arizona Global Campus is ever alone.
The balanced student: finding time for school, work, and enjoying the holiday season
With so many celebrations, family gatherings, work parties, and children’s activities around the holidays, it’s important to take a little break and enjoy those moments. You’ve been working hard, and it’s time to put things on pause. Scheduling a break from your studies can go a long way toward reigniting that holiday spirit and get you rejuvenated for the new year.
Here are some holiday stress relief tips to get you going:
1. Spread some cheer
A quiet evening at home decorating and getting your home in the holiday spirit is a great way to spend time with family and de-stress from a long week.
2. Shop for sanity
Shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you do it virtually, visit some local shops, or head to your favorite outdoor market, if time allows, browse some online sites you may not normally have a chance to review or enjoy some casual shopping while also getting some exercise.
3. Rock around the house
Invite your friends and family over to celebrate the season, and play a game or sing some of your favorite holiday songs. You can keep it simple and casual, host a potluck, or go all out with some of your favorite recipes and decorations.
Related: How To Fit School Into Your Busy Life
Are you ready to get balanced?
Learning how to balance work, school, and family life during the holidays isn’t as hard as it may seem. Thoughtful planning, communication, and being open to suggestions can get you ready to enjoy all the trimmings this year.
Finding time for college as a busy adult, and celebrating the myriad of holidays from around the world can help you achieve a well-earned balance. Contact UAGC and get all the support and flexibility you need to be a super student in today’s busy world. The online courses offer you an opportunity to balance school, work, and family life while achieving your academic goals. From 24/7 tech support and courses done on your schedule, to course material that you can review and work on anywhere, UAGC is perfect for your busy lifestyle.
Contact an enrollment services advisor today, and find your balance!