The new year offers a fresh start to optimize both your health and productivity in the workplace and in school. Balancing professional and educational demands with personal well-being can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can achieve success without sacrificing your health. Here are five tips to help you thrive.
1. Establish Clear Work-Life Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries is key to work-life balance. Designate specific times for both work and personal activities, and stick to them as much as possible. This helps prevent burnout, allows for better focus, and ensures you have time for rest and recovery.
For example, Courtney adds her after-work trips to the gym on her calendar so they they become a habit and are more likely to happen. Aislinn makes sure to schedule an hour lunch every day so she can step away from the computer, take time to decompress, and return feeling refreshed. These intentional practices help create balance and sustainability in your routine.
2. Use Career and Internship Services
University of Minnesota (U of M) degree-seeking undergrads and graduate students, and recent alumni have complete access to Career and Internship Services. For alumni, this is offered for two years after graduation and is followed by a one-time complimentary appointment. (Non degree-seeking students have access to web resources.) The Career staff is always excited to support you during your career-development journey.
Students also have access to a free resume analysis tool that uses AI to give instant feedback. (It even offers the opportunity to practice your interviewing skills!)
Use U of M tools and services to polish your resume, get personalized tips for video interviews, or take a career self-assessment. You can also talk through your ideas with an objective career-development professional.
3. Lean into LinkedIn
Now more than ever, LinkedIn goes a long way. Update (or create!) your profile and make sure you’ve connected with companies and organizations you are or have been part of. Double-check the education section of your profile: Does it share your affiliation with the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS)? If yes, it will make it easier to connect with other CCAPS students and alumni. And be sure to follow the College’s page to enhance your network even more.
There are also tons of groups and companies to follow, and of course, there are job openings to browse. Use a variety of hashtags, such as #HiringNow, #JobAlert, and #NowHiring, to see posts about openings that may not be listed formally on the platform.
Degree-seeking students: You have access to a tremendous number of free resources through your U of M Alumni Association Maroon & Gold Network account! This online platform connects you to career advice, networking, and mentorship opportunities with alumni and industry professionals.
Be sure to explore the Network’s Projects for short-term professional experiences like micro-internships. There’s even the opportunity to apply for a Mooty Scholarship to help alleviate the costs of projects that may be unpaid.
4. Plan and Prioritize Tasks Effectively
Effective time management is key to being both productive and healthy. Start each day by prioritizing your tasks and breaking them down into manageable steps. Use tools like task lists, calendars, or project-management apps to stay organized. (CCAPS offers a great professional development course on this topic.)
Spend a half-hour learning how AI tools can help you work more efficiently. University students, faculty, and staff have access to Microsoft Copilot, a generative AI tool that can assist with generating content, coding, drafting emails, summarizing information, and more.
By staying focused on the most important tasks, you avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling, improving both productivity and mental well-being.
5. Take Time to Recharge
Burnout is a real risk for professionals and students who overwork themselves. Ensure you schedule regular breaks throughout the day and take vacations when needed. (Use those PTO hours!) Even a few minutes of deep breathing or a short walk can help reset your mind. Taking time to recharge allows you to return to work with renewed focus and energy, which ultimately boosts productivity.
We’d be remiss if we didn't mention the amazing resources and webinars offered by our colleagues at the Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. Additional U of M resources are available for free on the Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing website.
By adopting these five simple strategies, you can cultivate a healthy, productive professional and educational life that not only leads to personal and career success, but also ensures you maintain your well-being throughout the year.
UMN alumni Courtney Barrette, BA '05 and Aislinn Hernandez Keane, BA '19, are equally proud to serve CCAPS in the following roles: Senior Director of Engagement and External Relations and Manager, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, respectively.
