Managing Schedules

So my month consists of teaching 10 classes a week, taking ballet class 5 days a week, rehearsing 4 days a week, and being a full time college student. Life can get pretty crazy.
Managing an insane schedule is something all dancers have to cope with. There will always be a lot of rehearsals and late nights on top of regular teenage/young adult things like school, work, and your family/social life. Finding time for all of it, on some days, seems like an impossible task. But, dear readers, fear not. I've learned from personal experience that it can be done. The key is organization, time management, and balance.
It's important to keep a schedule. Know exactly where you have to be and when and allow yourself enough time to get there. When you feel rushed or have to run from one place to another because you're late is when stress can become unbearable. I keep EVERYTHING in my phone. I make reminders, put events in my calendar and keep track of schoolwork assignments in a planner.
So there you have my organizational methods. As for time management, I find myself doing my best to utilize every second when I can. I even do homework in class sometimes (provided I feel comfortable with the material and won't miss anything important, of course). It's crazy and there are certainly days where I get home and need to crash on the couch at practically 9:00, but I'm trying to be productive as much as physically possible.
Balance is probably the most important and most difficult of the three tasks. You have to prioritize. During a week that I fully devoted to school and work and didn't have much time to spend with my family, friends, or boyfriend, I'll do my best to distribute my time over the weekend because not only will that maintain the relationships, but it's good for my own mental sanity!
This past week for me was jam packed with school, work, and ballet rehearsals. So on Friday I went out to dinner with my family, Saturday I went in for rehearsal during the day and spent the evening with my boyfriend and all day Sunday was a jamble of homework, Christmas decorating, and serene relaxation. Just what I needed! Although this Monday up here in Maine is drizzly, windy, and gray, and I myself am trudging through classes, I'm happy. Very happy.
Almost Thanksgiving break! Home stretch, baby!
If you guys have any comments, questions, or would like to request a post/article then feel free to leave a comment below or shoot me an e-mail at: Rhiannon@maine.rr.com.
Thanks, lovelies!
Rhiannon-