LOOKING FOR THE RABBIT OF TIME

Sometimes I feel that TIME is my worst enemy, do you feel the same? It happens that I've got so many things to do during the day, the week, the month, that I get the impression that I'm always on a hurry. Those who have to study and work at the same TIME know what I'm talking about.

This problem of having to find enough time increases when one of your activities is studying a language. I can tell you from experience 'cause besides being a English teacher, I'm still an English student (and I'll always be!). Speaking of the English course at the university iteself, I sometimes feel my life is getting out of control with so many texts and books to read, projects to hand in, seminars to deliver and tests to sit; I have to find a moment to breathe and rest. I believe it fits most of you as well.

Most students who get to talk to me complain about not having TIME to be as dedicate and hard-working as they wanted (needed) to be. That's true and I always believe them. But it, unfortunately, comes to be a problem: How can we find TIME in our schedule to dedicate ourselves to English studies? Bad (or good) news: there is not other way out, we must find TIME to add English to our daily routine. Without moments of dedication we go nowhere.

A good beginning would be taking more seriously the 30-minute study you are supposed to do at home. Make it part of your routine, just like taking the bus or having lunch. I believe that always styding  at the same time helps you a lot not to forget the Mnemônica day-by-day. Choose a specific time and make it a habit. Also, you can spend some extra time you have when you arrive or leave the school to catch up. Go to the study room and enjoy this time to the full. Read you books, magazines, surf the net and so forth.

Studying on the bus or on the subway can be profitable as well. I myself always manage to read a few pages on the boat on my way to Niteroi. You can give it a try! Classes on the weekends seem to be nice for those who have a busy week. Separating Saturday just for your English studies puts it on focus, and that's wonderful! Don't worry about beaches and malls, they're open till the evenings! lol

And you guys, do you have any tips on how to optimise time? Let's share ideas!

Instructor Rafa.