I've been back at Sixth Form for nearly two months now and in that time I've only read about 5 books (in my own time, for fun). Writing a blog post to go out every week is usually manageable because I tend to write up a few when I get a moment and feel inspired and queue them up to be posted later, and when posting on this blog, I try to post things that I'm proud of, not rushed out just to meet a deadline. However, I've been so busy with the massive workload of Year 13 that I've barely managed to do that! What I've come to realise is that it's really difficult to balance your schoolwork along with other commitments and still giving yourself time for a break. And to be honest, I don't think there's an easy answer, especially when you've got 3 essays, a mock exam, extra reading and homework piling up at school and an increasingly large pile of books you really want to get through. But, I've gathered a few tips to make our lives a little easier and to help make sure that reading and book blogging never stops being our fun escape from it all :)
1. To Do Lists
Everything seems much more jumbled and confused when it's rushing around your head and what needs to be done may seem like a list as long as your arm. However, I find if you write it all down on a few sticky notes, you feel much more organised and you have a clear idea of what needs to get done.
2. Plan your time
When you've got a lot to do, each moment is valuable so don't waste it. When I don't plan my time out, I end up binge watching Skins and come to my senses hours later, deep into the weird side of Netflix. Make a timetable and be specific, so you know exactly what you're doing and when.
If you have a load to get done, don't fall into the trap of doing the easiest stuff first as this is usually the less important stuff. Delve right in there and get the big stuff done, especially if it's urgent. It's always tempting for me to start writing on my blog just as I get a huge amount of work because it's something that I really enjoy BUT what really needs to come first is the important stuff, like coursework.
4. Deadlines
If you're at school right now or balancing blogging and a huge reading habit with a job, one of the most important things you have to do is work to a deadline - I cannot stress this enough! I find it handiest to write out a timeline of when everything is due so you can see it really clearly.
5. Give yourself plenty of breaks!
The key to coping with a heavy workload is plenty of breaks to keep you relaxed and not overworked. Your mental health is important and should never be sacrificed for grades, school or work.
6. If you're struggling, ask for help!
If you're at school, all of your teachers will be more than happy to help, and far happier that you're fessing up and coming to them rather than just watching yourself struggle and staying quiet until it's too late.
7. Make a reading goal
This tip is more aimed at us readers and book bloggers. At the beginning of each year, I set myself a goal to read a certain amount of books. This year it's 50, which I will most likely miss, but having a goal keeps you focused and also helps you set aside time for your hobby. But don't beat yourself up over it if you miss it because reading is about more than numbers and ticking boxes, it's about losing yourself in another place. 8. Schedule your posts!
This doesn't always help me, but writing when you have the time and scheduling to post when you won't helps keep your blog balanced and consistent and it's far easier to manage your time knowing you don't have to stress to put out a post.
9. Don't reinvent the wheel
A teacher in high school always used to say this and this tip has got me so far I cannot even tell you. Also, it applies to literally everything. In regards to book blogging, if you've got writer's block, as nice as it is to be creative and original you don't always have to think of something completely new each week: look at blogs you admire for inspiration, or book tags like Waiting on Wednesday to get you through.
10. Know when to say no
If you have a tonne of urgent deadlines but authors are approaching you asking to review books, it's okay to say no. If you literally have no time you do not have to put the pressure on yourself just because it's a fantastic opportunity. And, if they are understanding, you can schedule a better time. I'm a firm believer in right time, right place, so don't force anything because what is meant to be will be.
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