We all grow up with our parents and families to become the most productive person in life, to fulfill our dreams and goals. It all sounds so wonderful, but it is actually a juggling act for some who have to take care of family, work and want a better education by going to school. It is all possible to do with the right tools to help you focus and set priorities.
I too had a lot of anxiety especially working fulltime, raising my sons and looking after a parent. For me what helped was my support group. People who believed in me so much that I was able to believe in myself that I can do this. So, I did! I had my team of family and friends to talk with and help me focus and put life in perspective. I had to put my own self pride aside and ask for help when needed. The first step is to know you need help. So, ask for it. Whether it is to look after a little one or help you study for an exam. Knowing and acknowledging is better than giving up. As I got older and my sons were of an age to take care of themselves, I leaned on them to help me. Never too proud to learn from others. My husband helped me do research for papers I had to write. Every little bit took the edge off of me.
Prioritizing all our tasks is difficult but, we must have both dedication and perseverance to complete our goals. In order to do this, you must have some type of time management process in place. The ability to use your time effectively and or productively will make it easier to reach your goals. Start out by having a to do list. Even if you write one for every day. Whichever process works for you stick with it or change to make it flow right for you. Make a schedule listing everything that needs to be done. Even if it incorporates doing the laundry. As a nurse one thing I did develop well was multitasking. Even though I multitasked I was completing what I needed to get done and still have time for my self-care moments.
Communicating your frustration and anxieties with your support group helps you to put everything in perspective and focus on what is important to you. If you work make sure to let your managers and supervisors know that you are going to school. They can accommodate your schedule for classes. In class you all want the same in succeeding your goals, ask to study together, gather research together. Talking things out also helps you to gather all your thoughts and focus on what you need to accomplish. One moment at a time and you will be surprised at want you are capable of doing.
If you are studying for an exam, take breaks, hydrate and nutrition is a must. Limit the amount of time you are studying and get some fresh air. Anxiety is a control freak and needs to be put in its place. When you recharge and think of something else your absorption of information flows better.
Some of my friends who happen to be nurses tend to have the same issues with finding time to do the things we love to do and have time for ourselves in this balancing act of life. One friend loves to read, so she bought audio books and listened to them in her car on the drive to work and home. Her drive was about an hour so this helped her get to do what she liked, but relieve some of the stress to the long drive. Another friend would carve out time to drive to the beach and sit and meditate for about a half hour and this helped her focus on other happenings in her life and get through her days with a better outlook. No matter what you like to do, take the time and do it to help you become stress-free and enjoy your achievements and become the person you always wanted to be. Where there is a will there is definitely a way to do it. I can tell you from my own experience I achieved a goal I thought I never would. I completed and received my masters in Nursing leadership. I too had the balancing act of life. When you set your mind to do something it does not matter how old you are, just that you are doing and moving forward.
