The adjustment to an evening schedule can vary depending on a few factors. You may already be used to evening work, or perhaps it’s your first experience and represents a complete shift from your regular routine. Some of you may work more traditional hours, while others may find themselves with more unstructured time. Evening classes can be a blessing for those who have other commitments and responsibilities, but who still want to develop themselves personally or professionally.
Regardless, learners may feel that the shift to an evening class schedule comes with a particular set of challenges. Evening classes tend to contradict our natural circadian rhythm (our sleep-wake cycle) which programs us to be more alert and productive during daylight hours and become sleepier in the evening.
Though, an evening schedule may be unavoidable for some. Here are a few suggestions for adjusting to and conquering evening classes:
Plan ahead of time. This is crucial for the days that you have your evening classes, especially if you’re working. If you’re going directly from work, you might want to ensure that you have a few travel-friendly and nutritious snacks to get you through the evening.
Making sure you have all the necessary materials ready for your class in advance, either the night before or before heading to work, can be helpful in alleviating last-minute stress and rushing around. Consider making a list of everything you need to gather or having a specific spot or bag where you keep your class materials.
Adjust your schedule. For some, that may mean going to bed earlier the night before you have your evening classes to make sure you’re rested. It can also mean adjusting your eating schedule to ensure that you’re getting your meals in before class or during the break and aren’t distracted by hunger.
Prioritize sleep. Being well-rested is extremely important, and it can make all the difference in your academic success and overall well-being. Your sleep schedule may change due to your evening classes since you will likely be getting home later than usual. Having a consistent, regular wind-down routine before going to sleep can help to cue your mind and body for sleep, even if you can’t get to bed at the same time each night. For more tips, check out our previous article on getting a good night’s sleep.
Participate in class. Staying engaged in your class and participating, when possible, can help you to stay focused and keep your mind alert. Asking questions and offering your thoughts and impressions an also assist with information consolidation, which can be challenging when you brain is already tired.
Connect with classmates. Connecting with fellow students in your classes can offer many benefits in any academic context. You can support each other to understand the material, study together, and support each other, and even commute together when class lets out after dark.
Remember, it’s temporary. Juggling evening classes, and/or work, and/or parenting might be just temporary for some of you (unless you choose to do so, of course). Reminding yourself of how your learning fits into the larger context of your life and goals can be useful in putting your situation into perspective.
In the meantime, certain tasks and activities may have to take a backseat while you focus on your studies. While it is still important to ensure you are engaging in some pleasurable activities regularly to promote balance, other things like taking on new projects or sitting on a committee may be better off waiting until your schedule is more reasonable.
Manage free time. Learners who study full-time in the evening or who find themselves with unstructured time during the day, may find it challenging to plan their days in the most optimal way. This can be both a blessing and a curse because, while it may appear that you have that extra “free” time to study and work on assignments, many of us rely on external motivators (i.e., work, daytime classes) to provide that structure for us. Time management skills and internal motivation become essential in contending with this type of schedule.
Having a consistent wake-up time and beginning the day with some physical exercise are strategies that have been reported to work for many folks. Scheduling activities, such as coffee dates, study sessions, exercise classes, can also help to emulate that externally-provided structure, since we are less likely to cancel plans that involve others. Consider volunteering and attending networking events as a way to get involved or begin growing your network.
You are invited to consider one or several (or none!) of these suggestions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructors and/or classmates for support. With dedication and perseverance, you will get through it. However, if you are finding it difficult to manage, consider reaching out for professional support. As a Continuing Studies learner, you have access to a variety of wellness support services. Find out more on the SCS Wellness Services page.
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