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WORK-SCHOOL BALANCE

Chamberlain Early Assessment Program

Focused Activity

Topic Area Work-Life‐School Balance

Focused Objective: To find a balance between internal (intrinsic) and external (extrinsic) goal motivations in order to be more successful in achieving life goals.

What is Work-Life-School Balance?

Beginning your master’s education to become a nurse practitioner (NP) is a big step! Ahead of you in your program are courses that will require a good deal of time, focus, and commitment, especially courses with required practicum hours. Coming into the program, you already have other responsibilities such as family, work, personal interests, and self-care. Adding school obligations can be a challenge. Many new students struggle to balance work, family, and school responsibilities.

Work-life-school balance involves finding a state of equilibrium between the competing roles and demands in our lives. When we have balance, satisfying the obligations of one role does not negatively impact our ability to fulfill our other roles. Balance looks different for each one of us. Balance between our roles may shift on a regular basis as our priorities change. While a sense of balance is ideal, unexpected events or busy times in our lives may disrupt our sense of balance. When that happens, it is helpful to have strategies that can assist us to restore balance.

Why is Balance Important?

Having a sense of balance can help us to focus and remain motivated. Balance can contribute to improved time management. Our responsibilities and attention are aligned, so we are able to be more productive. When you feel that you are able to successfully meet your obligations, you will have an improved sense of health, well-being, and engagement.

When we experience a sense of being overextended in one or more areas in our lives, there can be physiological and psychological consequences. Our relationships or performance may suffer. We may have increased stress, which can lead to a number of problems.

Negative Consequences of Stress

Weaker Immune System	Headaches	Fatigue
Sleep Problems	Irritability	Difficulty Concentrating
Cardiovascular Disease	Sexual Dysfunction	Binge Eating
Overconsumption Of Alcohol	Burnout	Loss Of Motivation
Depression	Decreased productivity

Some Tips for Promoting Balance

There are some steps you can take to help yourself achieve a healthy sense of balance:

· Set a schedule with manageable goals for each day. Set aside time for study, family, work, and self-care. You may need to experiment to see what type of schedule works best for you. Be sure to schedule time for breaks and activities that bring you joy. You will be less productive if you are physically or emotionally drained.

· Set priorities. Identify what’s most important in your life and draw firm boundaries to support time spent on priority activities. Focus on the activities you enjoy or value the most.

· Take time for self-care. Taking time to pursue personal interests will help you stay energized. Self-care may involve exercise, good nutrition, getting enough sleep, attending to emotional and spiritual needs, meditating, or spending time with family and friends. Read a non-academic book or watch a movie. Set aside time for things you enjoy.

· Let go of perfectionism. Practice self-compassion by giving yourself the same kindness and understanding you give others.

· Get support. Talk to your family and friends about your schedule and availability. Discuss your needs for support

· Reward yourself. Set goals and reward yourself when you achieve them. Take note of your accomplishments.

· Be where you are. Stay focused on the task at hand.

· Learn to say “no.”

Exercises

What are your top three priorities in life? How do you currently balance those priorities? What steps will you take to adjust to the addition of school requirements?

What factors do you think will have the biggest impact on your success in school?

Which of the tips listed above do you feel would be most beneficial in helping you achieve balance? How will you go about implementing them?