How can I reduce my stress about going back to learn?
The best anxiety-reducing skill adult learners can master is time management
By Christine Javery, 8/17/09
Try these tips to minimize the stress of going back to school.
- Make a space just for you
Create a workspace that is both quiet and private.It is extremely difficult to create and maintain an effective schedule if you do not have someplace of your own to read and do schoolwork. Also make sure all family members know that when you are doing schoolwork, you are not to be disturbed. Having a private place to work will not be effective if you encounter frequent interruptions.
- Start your work early
Review the syllabus for each class as soon as possible. Create a schedule each week that includes what reading and homework you must complete.Create your school schedule one to two months in advance. Having a schedule created this far in advance allows you to schedule family, fun and personal activities around your school schedule, and it helps you block off enough time for all school-related tasks.
- Start small
Break down big projects into smaller tasks. Many times, just the thought of having to compose a 30-page paper or create a business plan for a class seems overwhelming.If the project is broken down into smaller segments, and you schedule time throughout the term for each smaller piece, the project will not seem so overwhelming.
- Give yourself enough time
Allow extra time for each assignment. If it generally takes one hour to write a two-page paper, allow an hour and a half. This will help eliminate the feeling of pressure you often experience when working on deadline.
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!