How to Stay Motivated and Avoid Burnout as a Student Mom

Raising a child and attending college at the same time is extremely challenging even for the most motivated person. And when burnout takes hold of you, it is tempting to consider dropping out of college and leaving your courseworks behind. However, as Studybay educational expert Max Malak explains, there are options to take your studies further with online coursework help for college.

You do not have to worry about ethics if you resort to a coursework assignment help service. You will not submit work done by another person. Instead, you will receive expert guidance to find your writing voice for assignments, learn how to structure your essays and where to look for valuable resources.

Let us now look at the most helpful ways to balance your life as a student and a mom, beyond using online resources when you need help with coursework.

1. Separate Sleeping and Study Areas

One of the biggest mistakes you must avoid is turning your bedroom into a study. This is extremely unhealthy and unproductive. On one hand, you will blur the lines between active hours and resting hours.

This will lead to poor sleep and other health problems arising from it. On the other hand, sitting on your bed to work on a laptop or write on paper is not ergonomic. In time, you will develop various conditions, such as:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Text neck
• Lower back pain
• Stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulders.

These conditions are extremely debilitating and can stop you from taking care of your child properly and attending college. Thus, always find a quiet area where you study, separate from your bedroom.

2. Identify Distractions and Stop Them

Distractions are everywhere at home. From the television to the notifications on your mobile phone, the list is endless. Consider how many times you feel like popping into the kitchen to grab a quick snack. Or how many times you stop studying to check your social media pages.

This is why students are not allowed to use their mobile phones in the classroom. And why these classrooms are designed with minimal distractions – blank white walls and simple desks.

Thus, to avoid burnout and continue being on top of your coursework and mommy duties, do the following while studying:

• Turn off the TV set
• Turn off the WiFi
• Bring some snacks to the study area (preferably fresh fruit or other healthy options)
• Make sure your child is being minded at a childcare facility or by a trusted relative or friend
• Remove all clutter that may distract you, including framed photos and various gadgets.

3. Focus on Self-Care

As a student mom, you frequently prioritize your child and college over yourself. While it cannot be helped in many circumstances, do not forget to set aside time for yourself. Self-care does not mean spending money shopping or at a spa.

Consider these:

• Wake up earlier to have time for your small morning ritual (shower, breakfast, coffee)
• Go out for a walk and free your mind from any thought
• Chat with a friend in the evening, either by phone or in person
• Learn a new skill or practice the ones you already have
• Do something fun with your child, such as an arts & crafts project or learning a new recipe.

These simple activities cost zero dollars and help you get in touch with your inner self and find balance in your life.

4. Make the Most of the Time Spent on the College Campus

A lot of academic burnout happens because students do not take advantage of everything college has to offer them:

• Library and computer rooms
• One-on-one guidance discussions with teachers
• Discussing coursework and upcoming exam topics with colleagues
• Using breaks between classes to start research for homework
• Asking questions in class whenever they do not understand something.

You can’t imagine how much stress and burnout you can save yourself by doing these things. Instead of worrying whether you understood the assignment, you can confidently use an online coursework assistance service and complete your task on time and without losing sleep.

5. Be Smart In Picking Elective Courses

When it comes to picking elective courses, consider several aspects:

• Will this help me in my future career?
• Will this field be relevant 10 to 15 years from now?
• Does this course tie in with everything else I’m learning?

Spreading yourself thin with many elective courses ultimately leads to burnout. There is also another practical issue to think about: how is your course load scheduled over the week?

The best option is to stack as many mandatory and elective courses over several days, leaving you one or two free days to focus on matters such as spending quality time with your child.

6. Evaluate Your Level of Engagement in the Classroom

A research study found that one of the first signs of burnout is reduced engagement in college matters. In turn, this leads to dropping out of college – something that you cannot allow to happen.

Thus, you should take time and ask yourself:

• Do you feel part of a team with your colleagues?
• Do teachers pay attention to you and take the time to answer your questions?
• Do you actively participate in debates and projects?
• Do you feel that your colleagues take your input into consideration?

If your answer to more than half of these questions is no, then you are already disengaged from your studies. It is time to take some time and remind yourself why you chose to go to college:

• To further your education
• To access well-paid jobs
• To provide for your child beyond the basic necessities.

7. Take Breaks When Studying

Your brain is working overtime. When you are not focusing on your child’s needs and household issues, you are studying. And even when you believe you are taking a break from your work, intrusive thoughts keep your brain busy:

• Did I pay all my bills?
• Did I do my taxes?
• Did I renew my car insurance?

However, scientists warn that your brain needs downtime. This translates into idle moments when you are not thinking about anything in particular. The best time to take such breaks is while you are studying.

It does not have to be a long break, to disrupt your focus. Instead, take short breaks every hour or so – no more than 10 minutes. Listen to music, lie down on the sofa or walk around the house to relax stiff muscles from sitting down.

Without these necessary breaks, you will only speed your entire body towards burnout.

8. Eat Healthy

A healthy mind dwells in a healthy body. And a balanced diet is essential for your health and well-being. You are not just a student working for good grades. You are also a mom, and your child depends on your being healthy to nurture them.

Thus, make sure that your food offers your body all the nutrients it needs:

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Proteins
• Healthy fats and oils.

Also, do not forget to stay well hydrated. Research studies have found that, among other health issues, dehydration has a negative effect on short-term memory, the ability to focus and pay attention, energy and mood.

What You Need to Remember

Being a mom and a student is difficult, but not impossible. Look for online resources for help, learn to prioritize and practice self-care. It is a lot of work, and you have to juggle many tasks.

But in the end, you will thank yourself for this effort. You will have valuable skills that top employers are looking for and this will allow you to build a successful career and a happy and secure life for you and your child.