Work life balance around exams
Feel like revision is taking over your life? Unfortunately, we can't do it for you, but we can give you some time management tips. We've whittled it down to our top five ideas to help you beat the revision struggles.
It's that time of year as an A Level / BTEC student when you're attempting to revise, work your part-time job, do some form of exercise, spend time with your family, grasp onto the sliver of hope of ever seeing your friends in a social capacity, as well as potentially getting prepared for university.
Here’s our top tips on how to keep your work/life balance from exploding during revision.
1. Create a timetable
How are you actually spending your time at the moment? Have you got absolutely no time to revise or are you spending too much time doing something else? Create a revision timetable to keep track of what you're achieving in the week and where you've got the opportunity to get everything else done.
2. Make your job work around your schedule
Your exams are important, and if you’re working, your manager will most likely understand. If you’re getting a lot of shifts, or difficult shifts, ask if your revision time could be considered when the rota is developed.
3. Plan fun rewards to stay motivated
We all need something to look forward to, and having something to work towards really improves your motivation. If you’re busy with work, revision, family and friends it can sometimes feel like your time isn’t your own, so plan something that you want to do for the end of the week as a reward for your hard work.
4. Organise seeing friends
There’s no such thing as too much planning. Have a timetable for revision and build in your work time. Ask when your friends are free that week and see if there’s a gap where you might be able to get together.
5. Work your hobbies around your priorities
Big reader? Go for a weekend bookathon. Film fanatic or game addict? Take one or two days to binge on your favourite activities. There’s no need to sacrifice your hobbies during exam season but you may need to think about timing them differently. Either do a little each day or take one or two days a week to do whatever you want – just see what works for you.