Balancing act: how I juggle my studies with life’s many commitments

We all know how life can feel like a circus sometimes—balancing work, family, social life and studies can seem like spinning plates, always teetering on the edge of chaos. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering, “how on earth am I going to fit my studies into this already busy life?”. Well, I’ve been there, and I’m still there. But over time, I’ve developed a few strategies that help me stay on top of my studies without sacrificing my other commitments. Let me walk you through how I do it, and maybe give you some ideas on how you can too! 

1. Embrace the art of time blocking 

When life gets busy, I highly recommend time blocking. I set aside specific chunks of time each day for different tasks. This way, everything has its place in my schedule, and I don’t feel guilty about neglecting one thing while doing another. For example, mornings are often my most productive time for studying, so I block out an hour or two before the day gets hectic. After that, it’s all about diving into work, family, or whatever else is on my plate. One thing I’ve learned is it’s not about finding “extra” time, it’s about making the time you have work for you. Even if it’s just 30 minutes or an hour, being intentional about how you use that time adds up.  

2. Set realistic goals 

At the beginning of each week, I sit down and ask myself, “what do I realistically want to accomplish with my studies?”. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of trying to tackle everything at once, but that’s a fast track to burnout. I focus on breaking big assignments or projects into smaller, manageable tasks. If I know I can only dedicate an hour a day to studying, I don’t expect myself to finish an entire chapter or project in one go. Instead, I set smaller, achievable goals that I can check off my list, which feels way more motivating. 

3. Learn to say ‘no’ (or at least ‘not now’) 

This has been one of the hardest lessons for me. As much as I love being there for friends and family, sometimes I have to prioritise my studies over a last-minute coffee catch-up or a spontaneous Netflix binge. It’s not about shutting people out, but about being honest with myself and others about what I can handle. I’ve learned to say things like, “I’d love to hang out, but I need to focus on this right now. Can we plan something for the weekend?”. It’s about finding that balance between life and study, without overcommitting to either. 

4. Use your downtime wisely 

Surprisingly, I’ve found that I can sneak in bits of studying during my everyday life. Waiting for my next lecture to begin? That’s a few flashcards I can review. Riding an Uber on my way home? That’s prime time for listening to recorded lectures or reading an article. While these little moments don’t replace dedicated study sessions, they help me to stay on top of the material and feel productive, even during life’s in-between moments. 

5. Give yourself some grace 

This one’s huge. There are going to be days when things don’t go according to plan, when the to-do list doesn’t get checked off, or when life throws you a curveball. And that’s okay. I’ve learned not to beat myself up when I miss a study session or don’t get as much done as I had hoped. Instead of stressing, I take a deep breath and remind myself that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Every step forward, no matter how small, counts. 

6. Lean on your support system 

Whether it’s family, friends or classmates, having people around you who understand what you’re going through is invaluable. I often share my schedule and goals with those close to me, so they know when I’m unavailable or need some extra focus time. This also helps them respect my boundaries when I’m knee-deep in study mode. Plus, having people to vent to, or get advice from, makes the whole balancing act a lot more bearable. 

7. Find what keeps you motivated 

Staying motivated can be a challenge, especially when you’re juggling so much. For me, it’s important to remind myself why I’m studying in the first place. Whether it’s working towards a degree, a promotion or personal growth, having that clear goal in my mind keeps me pushing forward, even on tough days. I also like to reward myself for hitting milestones, whether it’s treating myself to something small or taking a day off to relax.  

At the end of the day, balancing studies with life’s many commitments is a challenge, but it’s definitely doable with the right mindset and strategies. For me, it’s all about being intentional with my time, setting realistic goals, and giving myself grace when things don’t go perfectly. If you’re in a similar situation, remember: you don’t have to be perfect, you just need to keep moving forward. You’ve got this! 

Nour studies BSc Economics and Management in Egypt.