If you’re a mature-age adult returning to study to upskill or change careers, you might be wondering how to balance your studies with your already busy life. You’re likely juggling work deadlines, meal preparation, and social and family commitments, which can make studying feel nearly impossible. But, with the right study skills in place, you can not only find the time you need but also excel as an adult learner!

In this blog, we explore six essential study skills to help you juggle study and an already busy lifestyle.

1. Set Realistic Goals

Turn vague goals into specific actions and reward progress. When you focus on progress rather than perfection, you’re more likely to achieve your study goals. To make progress, try breaking larger tasks into smaller, more achievable goals. If you have an assessment to complete, manage your time by committing to reading or completing a certain number of pages of your assessment materials. So instead of promising to ‘finish your assessment on the weekend,’ try:

• I’ll draft my introduction and outline on Saturday
• I’ll summarise topic 2 tonight
• I’ll study for 45 minutes, then take a 10-minute break
• Keep a checklist of tasks or use a study journal to note what you finished each day
• When I finish the introduction, I’ll take a short walk or watch an episode of my favourite show.

You’ll notice these statements use SMART goal strategies (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). You can learn more about setting SMART goals here.

2. Create a Study Schedule That Fits Your Life

Creating a well-planned study schedule will help you stay organised, consistent and, most importantly for busy adults, less stressed. The trick is to make sure whatever study schedule you devise works with your lifestyle, not against it. Consider when you have the most energy and the least distractions, and build your study around those times.

• Identify your most productive hours – are you a morning person or do you find you come alive in the evenings? It’s important to schedule your most challenging study tasks during your peak focus times.
• Set non-negotiable study blocks – one that can’t easily be skipped! And don’t underestimate even short bursts of study, whether it’s on your 10-minute commute to work or some light reading five minutes before bed, as they all add up over the weeks and months, helping you complete your course.
• Use planning tools like Google Calendar or Monday to schedule study sessions, set reminders, and track progress.
• Don’t forget to include breaks and downtime, no matter how busy your life is. Regular, even short, breaks prevent fatigue and improve focus.
• Prepare for the unexpected. No matter how well you plan, life has a habit of throwing curveballs, but don’t let that derail your study schedule. Instead, make a contingency plan, such as, ‘If I miss Wednesday night’s study session, I’ll make up for it on Friday afternoon.’

3. Build a Supportive Environment

A supportive community is so important for achieving your study goals. If your family and friends are not already aware, be sure to communicate your objectives to them. Having a dedicated study space where you can concentrate on your work is also crucial. If you don’t have a quiet area, consider using noise-cancelling headphones. If you have children, you might involve them in your study routine by studying together each day, which can also help improve their study habits.

• Communicate your study goals and schedule
• Created a dedicated, quiet study space
• Involve your family

4. Use Microlearning and Study Smarter

Leading a busy life can make it challenging to find the time needed to achieve your study goals. This is where micro-learning and smarter study techniques become valuable. Make the most of any available time to study, even in short 15- to 20-minute sessions. Over the weeks and months, these brief study periods, whether during your commute or lunch breaks, can add up significantly.

If you’re pressed for time but still want to accomplish your professional development goals, consider our microlearning credentials. These self-paced online courses are designed for busy professionals and can be completed in under 15 hours. Successfully finishing them can boost your confidence and motivation, encouraging you to tackle larger, more comprehensive courses in the future.

5. Prioritise Self-Care

When facing many competing demands on your time, it’s crucial to minimise the risk of burnout by making self-care a priority. Ensure you are getting enough sleep, proper nutrition, and downtime to support your busy lifestyle. Stress relief techniques can play an important role in maintaining your mental health during challenging times, as rest enhances focus and retention.

Consider adding these easy self-care strategies to your day:

Deep breathing exercises 

Deep breathing is a powerful technique for reducing stress, improving focus, and boosting your overall well-being. Try the simple ‘triangle-breathing’ exercise, where you focus on your breathing by imagining each breath cycle as a triangle, using a 4-4-4 second ratio for inhaling, holding and exhaling. With practice, you can progress to a 4-8-8 second breath cycle, which is associated with greater relaxation and health benefits.

Short walks in nature

Regularly walking in green spaces, such as nature reserves or local parks, offers numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. You are likely to experience reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced creativity, as well as better cardiovascular health and increased stamina. When you schedule short walks into your self-care routine, you can enjoy the therapeutic effects of nature, leading to a healthier and more balanced life.

Meditation

One of the most significant evidence-backed benefits of mediation is that it reduces stress. But other benefits include improved memory, focus and sleep and can even lower blood pressure. You can find free resources online to improve your medication practice, or try a meditation app like Calm for quick access to meditations on the go.

 

6. Stay Motivated and Celebrate Wins

Tracking your progress is crucial in maintaining motivation. Consider using checklists or journaling as tools to help you visualise your achievements. Recognising your accomplishments, no matter how small, can boost your morale and keep you focused on your goals.

In addition to tracking, it’s important to reward yourself for reaching milestones. Treat yourself to something special, whether that’s a favourite meal, a movie night, or a relaxing weekend off. These rewards can serve as a great incentive to keep pushing forward.

Always remember the big picture. Understanding the reasons behind your goals, whether it’s for career growth, personal development, or setting an inspiring example for your family, can help you stay committed, even during challenging times.

 

You’ve Got This

Balancing work, study, and family isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible with the right approach. Keep reminding yourself of the strength and resilience you possess, and don’t hesitate to celebrate every win along the way to your professional development success. We hope these simple study skills help you achieve your career goals.

 

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Explore our flexible online micro-credentials designed for busy adults. Or perhaps a career change is on the horizon? If so, we have hundreds of courses that can help you find your new direction today.

Simply contact one of our Course Consultants today on 1300 76 2221 or use Live Chat to discuss your professional development goals.