Maintaining a balance between work and studies

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Some officers enrol in part-time studies without realising that it can be more stressful than it initially appears to be. A balance between work and studies is often a concern especially when there is tension in time allocation. Careful goal-setting, more effective time management, regular exercises and relaxation, and gaining the understanding and support of friends and family are keys to success in the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Start your studies with clear goals, with careful considerations to your constraints so as to minimise unnecessary stress from studies. The goal set should also suit your personality and lifestyle. Never set a goal that is over-challenging, otherwise it may destroy your motivation to carry on or drain up your time for family or social life. Carefully plan the time, money and energy that you can afford to invest. Prepare for contingencies that could cause disruption to your study plan such as sudden changes to your existing workload, or changes in demands from the family.

Very often people will 'sacrifice' their social or family life when facing tight study schedules, assignments and examinations. But prolonged desk-bound studies can create a sense of loneliness and boredom, dampen your spirits and even cause depression. Give yourself a relaxation break from time to time. Try to stay in touch with friends and family since you may need social relationships to help charge yourself up. Let them know about your study plans and progress. Share with them your thoughts and feelings so as to help them understand your difficulties and constraints. Make them your important source of support.

Learn to give yourself plenty of encouragement so that you can carry on despite possible frustrations. Reassure yourselves and think positively about what your likely achievement is in the long run - getting a better qualification, knowing more about a certain subject. Tell yourself you have done well when you really did well, and give yourself a little treat from time to time. Lastly, it is important that you don't just choose a trendy subject in which you have no particular interest. Nor should you engage in studies just because others are doing the same.

Advanced Stress Management Workshop

PSG will organise a workshop on 'Management of Emotions' for participants to gain awareness into the relationship between their own thoughts and emotions, and to learn a set of skills to manage their negative emotions. Date & Time: Saturday July 19 from 9am to 5pm. Venue: 5/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Participants: 20 (First-come-first-served)

Registration: Contact PSG at 2866-6207
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