So, have you finally decided to seriously engage in sports? Or have you found a hobby that truly brings you joy? Or maybe you've had your "calling in life" that you're ready to pursue from morning till night? And everything seems great, but any activity needs to be combined with studying. Don't rush to give up your favorite pastimes! If you are pursuing education at OPTIMA Distance College, you'll be able to manage everything and even a little more. The key is to maintain balance. Here's how to achieve it.
Develop the Right Habits
Most of the tasks you perform daily are standard and routine. You have breakfast, tidy up the room, do homework, browse social media, almost automatically, without much thought. But if you want to have a more active day and, for example, regularly engage in your own hobby, you'll need to put in some effort.
Time
Carefully review your study schedule. Find specific times for your own hobby: running in the morning, piano lessons in the evening, watching short videos in English during lunch. Constantly postponing things usually happens because your own hobby is not included in your daily schedule. Determine when you are most productive and allocate that time specifically for your favorite activity. In some cases, this could be a few minutes after waking up in the morning or late at night before going to bed. It's important that the chosen time does not conflict with your main tasks and has clear boundaries. This approach helps you effectively organize your day, giving your own hobby the status of an important and integral part of your schedule.
Preparation
Don't shock your body with sudden changes. If you spent half a day intensely studying and the other half watching TV shows on the couch, you probably won't be ready to run a marathon or build complex models on the kitchen table tomorrow.
If you plan to engage in sports in the morning, place your sneakers and workout clothes next to your bed before going to sleep, instead of the TV remote. This gradual preparation allows your body to adapt and makes the transition from one type of activity to another smoother and more comfortable. If possible, keep items related to your hobby near your workspace; this subconsciously prepares you for future creative or physical activities.
Pay attention to your physical and emotional state during the transition between different activities. If you feel tired from studying, take a short break and engage in your own hobby. Even a few minutes devoted to your favorite activity can help restore energy and uplift your mood. Remember that your hobby is not just relaxation but also a means of maintaining emotional balance.
Moderation
When you're just starting your "new life from Monday," it's not advisable to add more than one personal hobby per week. If you overload yourself with studying and various additional activities, there's a high probability that by the next Monday, you'll give up on this new life.
It's useful to focus on those personal hobbies that not only bring pleasure but also contribute to your personal development. For example, if you've chosen reading as your hobby, consider the diversity of literary genres to broaden your horizons. When starting a new project or engaging in a new type of creativity, determine how it complements your academic achievements. Learning a foreign language as your hobby can also help improve your communication skills and boost your grades in that subject.
Your hobby shouldn't be a source of stress or excessive burden. Try different areas, find what truly interests you, and gradually incorporate it into your daily schedule. This approach allows you to enjoy your own hobby while maintaining harmony between studying and personal development.
Patience
Start with micro doses of new hobbies in your life. Want to incorporate sports into your life? Start with a light morning workout before starting your online classes. Gradually add jumping jacks, squats, push-ups. Before you know it, you'll find yourself in the gym. Want to learn how to draw? Grab a sheet of paper and brushes during breaks between lectures. This will allow your brain to switch to a creative mode and provide the necessary relaxation before the next study session.
Combining Pleasure with Utility
By studying remotely at OPTIMA College, you'll achieve your desired academic success, enjoy an interesting student life, and have the opportunity to make time for enjoyable activities and personal hobbies!
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