For an online student, weeks can be busy – balancing work, study, family and other commitments.
The key to managing a hectic schedule is to get organised and ensure you have a solid routine in place. And some of the most successful online students have found that routine begins on a Sunday – getting a head start on the week ahead.
Here are five things you can implement into your Sunday routine to kick study goals each week.
A little bit of organisation goes a long way. Successful online students understand that a structure for the week ahead can help them to manage their time, meet their deadlines and avoid any unexpected surprises.
Simply take 15 minutes on a Sunday to look at your week ahead. Write down the three most important things you need to achieve that week and block out time in your diary for the tasks that will help you achieve those goals. Be sure to also schedule in your work and personal commitments too, so you have an accurate overview of your whole week.
If Sunday is the day you get organised for the week ahead, you want to be in the right headspace. And, one of the best ways to keep your head space healthy is to get up and get moving. Whether you hit the gym, go for a walk or kick a football with friends, anything that raises your heart rate will work!
Beginning your day by getting your heart pumping will help you feel good and put you in a productive mindset to make the most of your day. Plus, a few endorphins will help keep those Sunday blues at bay. It's a win-win.
When life gets busy it can often mean that everything takes priority over a little 'you time'. However taking some time out to do something you like, something that brings you joy and helps your relax is super important for your mental wellbeing. And it can actually improve your mindset and boost your productivity.
Sunday is the perfect day to take some time out. Whether it's reading a book, meeting up with a friend or simply taking a long bath – make sure you schedule time for you into your Sunday.
While you don't want to spend your whole Sunday studying, setting aside an hour or two to knock off a task that's on your mind, can be a big relief, and help you start the week feeling organised and on top of things.
Have a look at the tasks you put together for the week ahead and decide if completing anything on your list will help ease your mind. If it would, sit down at your computer, pop your headphones in and complete what you can. Then give yourself a big pat on the back, because the new week is about to begin and you're already ahead!
Finally, the most important way to get a good start to your week is to make sure you're fully rested and ready to tackle Monday head-on. A good night's sleep will help increase your productivity, leave you feeling more optimistic and put you in the best frame of mind to achieve your goals.
To get the best possible sleep, start winding down at least an hour before bed. Stop using your phone and computer and do something that helps your relax – a bath or shower, a cup of tea, or reading a book can all be very useful.