Balancing Books, Projects, and Life: How I Manage My Time

When I started my master’s program, “busy” became an understatement. Between coursework, group projects, research, and everything else life throws at you, finding balance felt like solving a never-ending puzzle. But over time, I’ve discovered a few strategies that have helped me juggle it all (mostly) without dropping the ball.

Prioritizing What Matters

The first thing I learned is that not everything needs to be done immediately. I start each week by listing out my tasks and breaking them into categories: urgent, important, and “it can wait.” This simple method helps me focus on what truly matters without feeling overwhelmed.

For example, during finals week, studying takes precedence over social plans. But when a friend’s birthday comes up, I block off a couple of hours to celebrate guilt-free. Balance, I’ve realized, isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things at the right time.

Time-Blocking Is My Superpower

Ever heard of time-blocking? It’s my secret weapon. I assign specific hours to each task: lectures, coding sessions, group meetings, and even downtime. Seeing my day mapped out makes everything feel manageable.

I also learned to schedule breaks. Whether it’s a walk outside or 15 minutes to scroll social media, these little pauses keep me sane and productive.

Making Time for Myself

Amid deadlines, self-care often takes a backseat, but I’ve learned the hard way that it’s non-negotiable. For me, this means taking smoothies from Beanz, cooking a meal I love, or binge-watching my favorite series after a long week. RIT offers a lot of places where you can relax after a stressful day or week. These small moments recharge me for whatever’s next.

Accepting Imperfection

Here’s the truth: I don’t always get it right. There are days when I miss deadlines or skip workouts, and that’s okay. Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. The key is to keep showing up and doing your best, even when things don’t go as planned.

Final Thoughts

Balancing books, projects, and life is a skill I’m constantly working on. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that balance isn’t about achieving perfect harmony; it’s about finding what works for you.

Whether you’re managing your first semester or your final project, remember to take a breath, celebrate small wins, and give yourself grace. You’ve got this.