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Productivity techniques to balance studying & work
New studies, new life: Starting my Master’s in “Content Strategy” was a massive adjustment. After several years of being able to manage my free time relatively flexibly, I suddenly had to find a way to juggle work, study, and private life.
What helped me were a few productivity techniques I first picked up during my Bachelor’s degree. And they’ve proven their worth once again. Don’t get me wrong: my time management isn’t perfect. But these methods help me to keep the workload at a manageable level.
My two go-to techniques
The Pomodoro Technique
The idea behind the Pomodoro Technique is simple. You divide your work sessions into short, manageable blocks. This helps you resist the temptation to constantly check your emails or to scroll through your phone.
How it works:
25 Minutes of Focus: You work intensively on a single task.
5-Minute Break: You take time for a coffee, a power nap, or just to stroll around the apartment. Everything except work.
You repeat this cycle four times before taking a longer break (15 to 20 minutes). I’ve found this method really helpful for staying concentrated and motivated, as it allows you to take regular rest periods and breaks the work down into smaller pieces.
Personally, I use the app FocusPomo. It also allows you to block certain apps while you’re working. This ensures that you won't end up using your phone after all.
The Timeboxing Method
Another method that helps me to stay on top of my tasks is Timeboxing. Think of it as an upgraded to-do list. Rather than simply listing all your tasks, you allocate each one a specific time slot. The aim is to complete each task within its designated timeframe. The motto is: "Better done than perfect".
You can also use this method to schedule breaks or leisure time. Those who are extra motivated can plan their tasks the evening before, so they can start the next morning with a clear structure.
For this method I use the app Structured, but a simple calendar works just as well.
Where to go from here
Bonus tip: If you're interested in boosting your productivity with AI, I recommend reading my colleague Jane's LinkedIn post.
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