“There aren't enough hours in the day.” This is probably what you keep thinking to yourself as you try to balance your graduate assistantship, coursework, and your family/personal life. While we can't add hours to your days, we can offer tips to help you stay sane and be as productive as possible. Read on for our tips for avoiding grad school burnout and creating balance in your life.
Explain What Being a Grad Assistant Means to Your Support System
Communicate with your family and friends early and often. Let everyone know what's going on, and what they can expect from your schedule and your time in the coming months/years. This isn’t a get out of jail free card – you still have to show up for your GA work on time, turn in your assignments, and make time for loved ones. But everyone will be much more understanding if you prepare them ahead of time.
Keep Track of Life, Graduate Courses, and More With a Calendar
It might sound simple, but it's a tried and true strategy – stay organized by using a calendar. They offer structure and a tangible way to plan out your days and weeks.
At the beginning of each semester, fill it with your obligations for your GA, coursework, and family. A great way to keep your family in the loop, is to put everything in a Google calendar, and sync it with your spouse, parents, significant other, etc.
But, be careful not to overbook yourself. If you schedule every minute of your day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., it can be hard to adjust when things change (and they will). Leaving some flexibility in your daily schedule will allow you to stay on track when an unexpected meeting comes or when your study group goes over.
Make Time for Grad Student Responsibilities – and to Enjoy Life
This goes hand in hand with using a calendar. You've planned out every area of your life. It may seem obvious, but be intentional with that time. Try not to study during time scheduled for enjoying friends and family or send GA-related emails during a scheduled study hour. Sometimes multitasking can leave you feeling like you got little bits done but nothing fully completed.
Also, take a look at your daily and weekly responsibilities – how can you make life easier for yourself? Maybe this means simplifying your life or out-sourcing tasks, like having Amazon deliver your groceries. Perhaps you designate some time at the beginning of each week to meal-prep, so breakfast, lunch, and dinner is grab-and-go.
Experiment with Guided Imagery and Relaxation Techniques
Take time to catch your breath and relax daily. For example, try guided imagery, which uses pre-recorded audio guides or apps that provide guided visualization exercises where you can imagine yourself in peaceful environments or engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Or try belly breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling the tension release from your body. Repeat this cycle several times, focusing on your breath and letting go of any tension.
Ask for Help to Deal with Your Student Stress
No one said you had to do this alone, so build a support system. Gather your friends and family and ask for their help. Be specific about what you need and how they can help you. If people have offered help, don’t feel bad accepting. They love you and want you to succeed.
Settle on a Go-To Study Spot
Decide where you'll study and only study there. Studying in the same place consistently follows the same principle as muscle memory for sports. By studying in the same location, you train your mind and body to remember that this is a place set aside for study. This helps you get into your rhythm faster and study more efficiently.
Write Down Your Graduate Assistantship and Grad School Why
Write down why you are going to grad school and opted to have a GA. And when life gets really overwhelming, take a moment to step back and read this note. Whatever the reasons are, remind yourself and use them as motivation to persevere.
Ready to reap the benefits of being a graduate assistant? Download WVU's Graduate Assistantship Guide today!
