View: The mobile office at Palm Cove, Far North Queensland.

I am currently planning a selection of study tours, the first of which will be held in Tropical North Queensland. So what better place to sit than Palm Cove, looking out over the ocean? I was able to reverse into a parking spot, open the back of the car, settle in comfortably with my laptop, listen to the sound of the ocean, and enjoy a gentle breeze.

This is my idea of an outdoor office. It is also inspirational. As I plan study tours for business people, educators, and students, I can experience the atmosphere for myself and enjoy what I hope others will also experience.

Naturally, our study tours will involve much more than sitting at Palm Cove. There are so many places to explore here. The reef and rainforest tour will take participants on a journey to the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest, where they will listen to guides, learn how the environment is cared for, and be introduced to the culture of local Indigenous peoples.

For others, we will visit the beautiful Tablelands region, with an overnight stay at Malanda Lodge and visits to places where we will sample cheese, chocolate, coffee, and more.

Palm Cove is also a place where I come to read or journal. During a recent lecture, I mentioned to students that they do not have to sit at a desk to read articles and make notes. I carry what I call an academic toolkit in my car. It includes a collection of highlighters - both fluorescent and pastel - Post-it notes, a notebook, and other writing materials.

View: The mobile office at Palm Cove, Far North Queensland.

For articles, which I generally, do not print, I use my iPad and Apple Pencil, which means I can work almost anywhere, especially when I use the iPad as a second screen. The boot office also means I can pack lunch and keep snacks chilled and ready to eat. The technology is available, and I enjoy using it. Even so, I still prefer journals and pens for note-taking, despite the convenience and productivity of Apple Notes, Calendar, Reminders, and Freeform. Everything has its place, so to speak.

If you do not have a car, a small carry-on bag can be just as useful. I explored this idea with students some time ago. We went thrifting and found small carry-on bags in second-hand shops, then added a beach towel to sit on, stationery sourced from discount stores, drink bottles, and snack boxes. We headed to Cairns Esplanade and sat at benches and tables that were empty midweek.

I had better get back to planning. Have a great day, and perhaps take a moment to consider how you might create a mobile office.

Originally published via https://www.mbsglobalpd.com/planning-study-tours-from-the-field/

What are you really doing when you finally get a moment to pause?

Today I gave a presentation on the importance of pausing and introduced the acronym PAWS, which I’ve written about before:

• P = Pause

• A = Activity

• W = Write

• S = Set boundaries

In that presentation, I applied PAWS to business — stepping back to assess strengths, weaknesses, and the tools we can use to think more critically about the way we work. But this article is about something more personal: how PAWS might help us in everyday life.

In one workshop, we explored the idea of pausing and recharging, and that led to a simple but powerful question: What should we actually do during that pause?

My suggestion was to try something new.

As part of a recent workshop, participants completed a five-day log to track how they were really spending their time. When we came back together the following month, the results were revealing. Many people discovered that their time was being drained by habits they hardly noticed:

• Netflix binges and other streaming services

• Endless scrolling on Facebook or Instagram

• Having the television on without really watching it

• Working while having lunch and not taking breaks

In other workshops, participants have reported spending hours gaming or not eating a meal without looking at a phone or screen.

So I’d like to invite you to try this for yourself. I’m offering a free PDF to help you track your own five-day log.

Be honest with yourself as you complete it. No one else needs to read it, so don’t cheat yourself out of the insight.

Have a great day!

Coming soon 52 weeks of activities - Subscribe to "The Eclectic Mix" to hear more about this.

Free Pdf 5 Day Log Workbook

2.54MB ∙ PDF file

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The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) offers a wide selection of stores. It’s also worth looking at the architecture, the stained-glass windows, and, of course, the Turret Clock, which attracts many tourists taking photographs.

The State Library of New South Wales, the oldest library in Australia, is a great place to sit and read. Whenever I visit Sydney, I can’t resist taking time out to have a coffee in the bookshop and explore some of the exhibits. It’s where I spent time completing the final edit of my doctoral thesis, and I enjoyed quite a few coffees there in the process. If you are interested in the works of William Shakespeare, then the Shakespeare Room in the Mitchell Wing of the library is a must-see. If you’ve read Bryce Courtenay’s 2002 novel, “Matthew Flinders’ Cat”, you’ll recognise the bronze statue of the cat, Trim, on the side of the library building. I read this book without reading any synopsis, as I didn’t want it spoiled before I read the story. I had read many Bryce Courtenay novels and, when it was released, decided to read it. I thought it was going to be about the voyage of Matthew Flinders and include some aspect of life with his cat. While it does include tales of Matthew Flinders and Trim, it presents the story of a once-distinguished barrister, Bill O’Shannessy, now a drunk who sleeps under the statue of Trim at the State Library of New South Wales, and reveals the darker side of Sydney’s underworld. I was reminded of this book when I visited the State Library of New South Wales and noticed the bronze statue.

Talking about writers, the Sydney Writers Walk, comprising of sixty plaques, is an interesting trail along Circular Quay and the Rocks. The walk starts at the Overseas Passenger Terminal; there weren’t any ships this visit, and ends at the Opera House. Along the way, the names of Australian writers are shown, as are those of international writers who visited Australia, including D.H. Lawrence and Mark Twain. I followed the trail but, due to the rain, didn’t take photographs at the time.

The next day was clearer, and I took the opportunity to walk along the water from Woolloomooloo to the Opera House. The photographs don’t do this walk justice. While the weather was brisk for someone who has lived in Far North Queensland for quite a few years, it was well worth the walk.

No visit to Sydney is complete without a trip to Bondi Beach. This time, I drove there, but the 380 bus regularly runs from Circular Quay to Bondi Beach, offering a good view of the Eastern Suburbs from the city to Bondi. This week saw preparations for the Bondi Festival, 3rd to 9th July, featuring an ice rink and a Ferris Wheel. While I won’t be there for the festival, I did have the fortune to see a beautiful rainbow reaching across the beach and the full moon rising over the horizon.

Additional Notes & Resources:

Bryce Courtenay’s “Matthew Flinders’ Cat” is available in many bookstores; it can also be ordered from Amazon in various editions, including Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, and Audiobook. This is a link to Amazon - please note I am an Amazon affiliate. This does not affect your price, but it does contribute to the cost of making free resources available on various platforms.

Amazon | Matthew Flinders' Cat

State Library of NSW - website

The fields turned out to be a vineyard. As I looked around, I saw large barrels in the cellar and read about Cassegrain Wines. I learned about the history and the various wine varieties produced there, including both white and red wines sourced from local fruits. A Cellar Door experience is also available for visitors.

Adding to the winery’s appeal, the Port Maquarie Riding Centre is conveniently located on-site and offers riding experiences for both beginners and more experienced riders. Learning to ride a horse is on my list of “must-do” things in the next twelve months. Perhaps this centre should go on the list?

Apart from being a lovely place to sit and journal, it shows that sometimes it’s good to try something different. The left-turn detour was much better than I expected. Rather than sitting at a busy road stop, I found a quiet place to think, write, enjoy the scenery, and sample the crème brûlée (purely for research purposes, of course).

Reflecting further and connecting with my previous conversations about PAWS, I realised that this slight detour offered more than a pause—it allowed me to pause, enjoy an activity (and write) and set boundaries. In this context, setting boundaries meant embracing something different rather than being limited by preconceived ideas or by the notion of where to take it and where to stop, allowing a break from old habits.

Originally published on MBS Global PD by Julie Edwards

I often suggest to people the importance of taking time to pause, and have done so in my articles in this newsletter. Today, I too took time to stop and have a day to pause. I went along to the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens at Mullimibimby, near Byron Bay, New South Wales. A day there is usually relaxing. Today was no exception, as the Gyuto Tibetan Monks were in residence. They held workshops throughout the day, including Mindfulness and Mandala Art. The day concluded with a Healing Empowerment Ceremony.

A leisurely stroll through the crystal-filled gardens, set amid colourful flowers and birdsong, is regenerative in itself. There are many places to reflect and journal. The black bamboo walkway is impressive. The crystal guardians, comprising smoky quartz with amethyst, add to the spectacular views. I also sat inside the dragon cave, an amethyst cave, which grabbed my attention as someone who loves amethyst.

The last time I was there, the many pieces of rose quartz were being placed in the crystal labyrinth, in front of the giant Blessing Buddha, and now this task was complete.

The food, as always, was tasty and healthy, and at brunch, coffee was served hot. The acai bowl was tasty. For a late lunch, peppermint tea and roast vegetable wraps were ample; I didn’t even manage to eat any of the delicious cakes.

As I have on previous visits, I walked clockwise around the World Peace Stupa and spun the prayer wheels, which is a “traditional Buddhist practice known as Walking the Kora, symbolising devotion, mindfulness, and spiritual connection”. The World Peace Stupa was constructed under the guidance of Geshe Lharampa Tenzin Demchok and the Gyuto Monks of Tibet (Crystal Castle, n.d). There’s something calming about completing this walk and spinning the prayer wheels, and it feels like you’ve been transported to another place, not just outside a small village not far from the coast in New South Wales.

The Mindfulness Meditation reminded me to stop and let go of things that, in the big picture, are so insignificant. The various talks by the Dalai Phurbu reinforced the need to believe in oneself. People of all ages, from young children to older visitors, sat in a circle to colour a Mandala, with the monks patiently showing us how to fold and tie them with coloured wool. Towards the end of the day, a group stayed to listen to Dalai Phurbu conduct a healing empowerment ceremony, after which we were blessed before heading home.

This was well worth stopping for, and I have shared some photographs with you, though they do not do justice to the experience. Once again, I strongly suggest making the time to find a quiet place, it may not be with Tibetan Monks and crystal-covered gardens, it could be taking the time for a cup of tea and listening to music, visiting a park, or lighting a candle. Whatever you choose, enjoy and try not to give too much time to things that don’t matter in the big picture.

We’ve reached the final letter in PAWS: S for Setting Boundaries. It might be the most important part of self-care we make in our week.

So many of us will drop everything for a colleague, a family member, or the crisis of the day, yet find it hard to pause for ourselves. We say yes to the extra job, the after-hours email, the “quick” favour, and the added responsibility. Then resentment creeps in. The time we traded away was the time we needed to breathe, to move our bodies, to read a chapter of a book, and enjoy a coffee without juggling a dozen other things. Boundaries are how we protect that time—so we can give from a place that isn’t running on fumes.

What boundaries are (and aren’t)

• Boundaries are clear limits you set to protect your time, energy, values, and well-being.

• They are about your behaviour, not controlling others. “I won’t be available after 6 pm,” not “I don’t answer emails after 6 pm.”

• They aren’t selfish; without boundaries, generosity curdles into obligation and burnout.

Why boundaries feel hard

• We’re socialised to be agreeable and helpful. Saying yes is commonly praised; saying no can feel like we’re letting people down.

• Vague limits lead to overcommitment and quiet resentment, which slowly drag us down.

• Fear of missing out or being seen as less committed keeps us on call 24/7.

The cost of boundaryless living

• Chronic time debt: taking time from sleep, movement, and recovery costs in terms of contributing to poor health, mental or physical.

• Resentment: when every yes is compulsory, nothing feels like a choice.

• Diminished creativity: a crowded mind has no white space for ideas - it is in the quiet space that ideas often evolve.

  A simple framework to set, and keep, boundaries

1. Notice your tells

• Your body is often the first to know. Tight shoulders before a meeting request? A sinking feeling when an email arrives or the phone pings? That’s not healthy.

• Do a quick boundary audit: What do I say yes to that I later resent? Where does time slowly leak from my day?

2. Name your non-negotiables

• Choose two to three anchors that can help to protect your well-being. Examples:
  

  • Work ends at 6 pm.

  • A 20-minute walk, after work or before work, at least three times a week.

  • A tech-free hour before bed - no scrolling, no YouTube, no Words With Friends.

• Put them in your calendar like any other meeting. If it’s not scheduled, it’s optional.

3. What is your yes or no?

• Decide your criteria ahead of time to reduce the chance of saying yes and later regreting it:
  

  • Yes, if it matches my top priorities this week.

  • No, if it requires after-hours work or displaces ‘me-time’.

  • Not now, if it’s interesting but not urgent.

4. Script your boundaries

• Keep your language short, warm, and clear. Practice saying no out loud, firmly but politely .

Work examples:

• “I’m at capacity this week and won’t be able to take that on.”

• “Happy to help. I can offer 30 minutes on Thursday between 2 and 4 pm.”

• “During focused work, I will not be online between 9 and 11 am. I’ll respond after.”

Personal examples:

• “I would like to catch up—this week is full. How’s next Wednesday?”

• “I’m keeping Sunday for family time. Let’s lock another day.”

5. Offer an alternative, when appropriate

• Boundary + option keeps relationships strong without sacrificing your limits:
  

  • “I can’t join the late call. Could we move this to tomorrow morning or share notes?”

  • “I can’t lead the project, but I can review the brief by Friday.”

6. Stand your ground with grace.

• Expect a little friction at first; change often surprises people.

• Repeat your boundary calmly once. You don’t owe a long justification.

• Protect the consequence. If you say you’re unavailable after 6 pm, don’t reply at 6:30 pm, even if it is “just this once.”

7. Micro-boundaries you can start today.

• Calendar clarity: Block your focus time and end-of-day boundary as busy.

• Notification hygiene: Turn off push alerts for email and set Do Not Disturb windows on your phone.

• Micro “no”: Decline one low-impact meeting this week.

• Buffer zones: Add 10 minutes between meetings to give your brain a break.

• Home cues: Put your laptop out of sight after hours; create a visible “work is closed” ritual.

8. If saying no feels awkward, try these word-for-word lines.

• Capacity: “I don’t have the time to do this well. I’ll need to pass.”

• Priorities: “This won’t fit in with my other commitments this week.”

• Timing: “I can’t make that time, I can do next Tuesday.”

• Scope creep: “That’s outside what we agreed. If it’s a priority, what should we swap out to make this work?”

• Social: “Thanks for the invite. I’m keeping this evening quiet.”

9. When your boundary is with yourself

• Pair friction with ease: Lay out your walking shoes the night before; put your book on your pillow.

• Make it visible: A post-it on your monitor—“Stop at 6.”

• Track streaks: There’s no need for perfection, but try to be consistent.

• Forgive quickly: A slipped boundary is feedback, not failure. Reset without drama.

10. Saying no is saying yes.

Every no is a yes to something else: rest, depth, presence, the walk, the chapter, the break for a cup of tea or coffee. Boundaries aren’t walls; think of them as gates. You decide what passes through the gate, and you can close or open it; the choice is yours.

A boundary-setting mini-practice for this week

• Identify one moment you routinely resent.

• Choose one sentence you’ll use next time it appears.

• Communicate it once, clearly and kindly.

• Use the time you protected for something that restores you—walk, read, stretch, breathe.

Close the negative habit of saying yes to everything by noticing how you feel afterwards.

A life without boundaries is a life lived in reaction. Having power by setting boundaries —over our calendars, our energy, and our attention is not about doing less for others; it’s about doing what we do from a place that is resourced and genuine, and where we feel energised.

May the S in PAWS be your quiet superpower: Best wishes for creating PAWS in your life.

This article was originally published via MBS Global PD.

Another popular type of journaling is a gratitude journal. This simple task of writing in a gratitude journal, identifying things in life to be grateful for, and reflecting on what has occurred or what one has, can set a positive tone for the day. Focusing on what is positive in our lives sets a tone. This week, set aside a short time in the day to complete a gratitude journal. Write out ten sentences stating your gratitude; for example:

• I am grateful for the home I have.

• I am grateful to be able to ……

• I am grateful for …..

Commit to this writing activity daily for twenty-one days. Start today and notice the impact.

The ideal way to complete the gratitude journal is to make it your own personal ceremony, designating a time where you can sit quietly, perhaps with a cup of coffee or herbal tea. For others, nighttime is better: after everyone has gone to sleep, light a candle and enjoy the quiet. If you are unable to do this, consider the time while you are commuting.

I write in a gratitude journal for 21 days. I’ll be honest and say that I don’t follow the practice every day of the year. I do journal daily, but gratitude journaling isn’t a daily practice for me, as I also write about various topics and ideas. However, I probably complete at least four 21-day journals a year. I like to choose an image for each day in addition to writing in the journal, which is why in my journals, I leave a black page where the person completing the journal can draw an image or tape in a photograph or magazine image.

If you would like to try completing 21 days of gratitude, start now.

“Activity” doesn’t mean being busy or adding more tasks to an already full schedule. Instead, it’s about intentionally choosing actions that support your wellbeing, sharpen your thinking, and create space for growth. For some people, this looks like movement or exercise; for others, it’s a reflective activity, such as doing a brain dump before bed to prevent a restless night of overthinking. What counts as relaxing or restorative will look different for everyone — and that’s exactly the point.

Over the next two weeks, we’ll explore a range of activities you can try. Some are simple and reflective; others build skills, structure, and confidence — especially if you’re studying or preparing to study.

But before we look at new activities, we return to an important first step.

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The Five‑Day Logbook

To begin this week, I invite you to complete the five‑day activity recording exercise. There’s a free downloadable PDF to guide you.

At first glance, the task may seem too simple to matter — recording what you do, hour by hour, for five consecutive days. But after years of facilitating this activity across executive programs, schools, universities, and workshops, the feedback is remarkably consistent:

• “I didn’t realise how much time I lost to scrolling.”

• “I always said I didn’t have time — but now I can see I do.”

• “I didn’t know how much of my week slipped into activities that weren’t actually helping me rest.”

• “I discovered pockets of time I didn’t think existed.”

This activity isn’t about judgment — it’s about awareness. We often think we have “no time,” but in reality, time is frequently hidden beneath mindless scrolling, binge‑watching, gaming, or habits done on autopilot. These aren’t “wrong” — entertainment has its place — but the goal is to notice how much time they take and whether that trade-off aligns with what we actually want.

Once you’ve completed the activity recording, you’ll have a clearer picture of where your time goes — and where you can make room for something that genuinely supports you.

The Eclectic Mix 5 Day Logbook

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After completing the logbook, consider the following:

1. What surprised you about how you spend your time?

2. Which activities supported your well-being?

3. Which activities drained your energy or added stress?

4. Where did you notice “hidden pockets” of time?

5. What small activity could you introduce next week?

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For Those Studying (or Thinking About It)

This week, our focus is on activities that support people who are studying or thinking about returning to study.

If this is you, you’re not alone. I’ve spent many years working with vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and I’ve also been an adult student myself — juggling parenting, relationships, work commitments, and study deadlines. These lived experiences shaped the motivation behind my doctoral research, which explored the transformational experiences of adult postgraduate students who enter study without a traditional undergraduate pathway.

Across all my work, I’ve seen that growth doesn’t happen because we find more time — it happens when we choose to use our time differently. Few things demand intentional planning quite like study.

Are You Prepared to Study?

There’s a conversation I’ve had more times than I can count with students early in their learning journey. I start with an analogy:

If you were going to run a marathon — say the Sydney City to Surf — what would you do to prepare?

The responses are predictable and sensible:

• Buy good running shoes.

• Buy appropriate running gear.

• Start training

• Join a running club

• Find a coach

• Run with friends for motivation.

• Eat healthier

• Watch YouTube videos for advice.

• Listen to experts

• Get AirPods so they can listen to music or podcasts during training.

We then break down the cost of entering the race, travelling, accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses. Everyone agrees: Preparation is essential — and worth the investment.

Then I ask:

What have you done to prepare for your course of study — something that may last one to six years and cost far more than a single marathon event? Usually, the room goes quiet.

Many students admit they haven’t prepared at all — except buying the textbook or a new laptop, and maybe some stationery.

Studying effectively is not about “trying harder.” It’s about preparing wisely.

Activities That Make Studying Easier

Below are practical activities — grounded in research and lived experience — that can make a profound difference.

1. Use a diary (Paper or Digital)

Download your subject outline and map out:

• Class times

• Assessment due dates

• Online seminars

• Weekly reading or study time

The time spent in class is only a fraction of what’s required. Set specific study blocks to avoid last-minute stress.

2. Learn your tools before you need them

Many students wait until assessment week to learn basic computer skills. A better activity is to build these skills early. Learn how to:

• Create an auto table of contents

• Insert page numbers, footers and headers

• Add charts and tables, and create a list of figures and tables

• Referencing tools - there are many. Your education provider should be able to assist you - try EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero.

• Formatting basics - read the assessment requirements carefully.

If your institution offers workshops — go.
If they’re online — join.
These skills save hours when it matters most.

Take time to learn how to use the following:

• Microsoft Word

• Microsoft PowerPoint

• Microsoft Excel

• Canva - great for all types of documents, presentations, and much more.

If you can’t attend workshops, explore YouTube where there are many free tutorials.

I have created a few videos, available on YouTube to assist you.

https://www.youtube.com/@julieedwardsLifelongLearning

3. Master Research and Referencing

Knowing how to find credible information is essential.
When reading academic papers, you’re learning:

• The content

• How arguments are structured

• How citations are used

• What “credible” looks like

• What current research says

• How things have changed or not changed, as the case may be

• How the research was conducted

Pay attention to which referencing style your subject requires — Harvard, APA, or others — as these vary between institutions and even units. Practice referencing correctly from the start. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance, librarians are very helpful.

4. Develop a Reading Routine

Expect more reading than anticipated.
Start with:

• Daily reading in small blocks

• Clear notes

• Well-labelled digital folders to store articles or other PDFs

Reading becomes easier with practice, but only if done consistently.

5. Store Everything Safely

Never keep assessments on your desktop only.
Use cloud storage, or whatever your institution provides. Losing work at the last minute is avoidable.

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6. The Due Date Is Not the Do Date

An essential activity for study success is planning ahead:

• Start early

• Research thoroughly

• Allocate time for multiple drafts.

• Practice presentations

• Proofread

Last-minute work reduces quality and increases stress.

7. Treat Group Work Like a Project

Group work succeeds when it’s organised:

• Meet early

• Set agendas

• Agree on communication methods.

• Allocate roles

• Set clear internal deadlines.

Good collaboration doesn’t “just happen” — it’s built intentionally.

Activity as a Form of Empowerment

When used intentionally, activities create momentum. They build confidence, skill, and clarity — not just for study, but for life more broadly.

The goal of PAWS isn’t to overwhelm your schedule. It’s to help you align your actions with your intentions.

Activity becomes powerful when it is chosen, not when it is added by force.

This week, try one or two of the activities above — gently, intentionally, and without pressure. And if you haven’t already, download and complete the free five‑day activity log book. Awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.

The original post was posted on www.mbsglobalpd.com 18 May 2026.

Recently, I received several emails from former students—now working professionals—asking whether I could share videos explaining some of the features I used in class when they were at university. In response, I’ve uploaded a series of five short tutorials to my YouTube channel.

It’s a channel I hadn’t used for quite some time, but revisiting it made me reflect on the kinds of skills and knowledge people value for both professional and personal development. That reflection led me not only to upload these videos, but also to begin incorporating more freely available resources that anyone can access.

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Knowing which tools to use when creating a document can save a significant amount of time. I’m reminded of a class where a group of students confidently described themselves as highly tech-savvy. During the lesson, I introduced an activity where they had to create a hierarchy chart for an organisation based on information provided.

In the first part of the activity, students worked in groups using index cards or Post-it notes to organise and present the information. Once each group agreed that their layout was correct, they were asked to recreate the same structure in a document. After fifteen minutes of watching them insert shapes, struggle to add titles, and manually connect lines, I stopped the activity.

I then directed everyone’s attention to the screen, opened a similar document, and created the hierarchy chart using SmartArt in Microsoft Word. The contrast was immediate.

Some might ask why I didn’t show them this method from the beginning. My response is simple: if students already knew how to complete that step efficiently, we could have moved on without spending time revisiting it. They were also working collaboratively, and typically one or two students would know a quicker method and share it with the group—supporting peer learning and communication skills.

However, by realising they didn’t know this shortcut, everyone paid attention. In later activities, students began asking whether there was a faster or smarter way to complete tasks—exactly the mindset I hoped to encourage.

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I’ve created a few videos to show how to set up a document for an assessment. One series is for those using Microsoft Word. The other series is for those using Apple Pages.

The original article was posted on MBS Global PD

Paper or Electronic? Using a Diary to Support Study, Work, and Wellbeing

In a previous post, I highlighted the importance of recording assessment due dates in a diary. When I speak with students or work with organisations, I’m often surprised to discover that many people don’t use a diary at all. Yet most of us carry an electronic diary everywhere—on our phones. These calendars are easy to use, always accessible, and highly portable.

That said, I’ll confess that I also love a beautiful paper journal and am currently trialling a new spiral-bound diary. I’ll share how that experiment goes in a future post.

Paper or electronic?
That’s the question.

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Why I Use Both

Personally, I use a combination of both systems. I record all appointments and block out time for specific work projects in my phone calendar, which synchronises across my iPad, phone, and laptop. Alongside this, I use a printed diary for more detailed planning.

I’m partial to pastel highlighters and use the same colour scheme in both my paper diary and electronic calendar. As mentioned in a previous blog, I recommend colour-coding each subject when completing your Assessment Overview. These colours can then be carried across to your diary and calendar. I also allocate colours to different projects, which allows me to glance at a page or screen and immediately see what’s coming up.

Time Blocking and Task Grouping

Time blocking is a system I’ve used for many years. Scheduling focused time to work on a project—just as you would schedule an appointment—helps maintain attention and momentum. During these blocks, I avoid checking unrelated emails or social media unless they’re directly relevant to the task at hand.

I also group similar tasks together. For example, I’ll block one period for emails and another for phone calls. This approach works well for studying too. If you have a lot of reading to do, schedule a dedicated reading or preparation block, and decide in advance what you’ll focus on to avoid distraction.

Keeping a notebook—either electronic or paper—is also helpful. Use it to jot down unfamiliar terms, questions, or ideas to revisit later. I’ll return to this idea in a future post.

Making Time for Movement

Exercise is just as important as study. Block time for movement as you would for any other appointment. This might be a walk before or after work, walking the dog, or attending a class—lock it into your diary.

Walking can also double as learning time. Listening to a relevant podcast is a great way to reinforce ideas. While working on my thesis, I often listened to Tara Brabazon’s podcast series, which I found motivating and insightful. Afternoon walks, however, became more social, so I used that time to enjoy my local area and connect with neighbours instead.

With two dogs, regular walks are essential, but I also schedule training sessions such as martial arts or home workouts. On days when I can’t attend a class, I use Apple Workouts at home. Everyone’s preferences differ, but scheduling some form of exercise supports concentration, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.

Don’t Forget Breaks and Nutrition

Scheduling lunch and breaks is equally important. Try to step away from screens during these times and prepare healthy snacks in advance. Food preparation can also be added to your diary. Making fruit and vegetables easy to access—and remembering to drink water—can make a noticeable difference to energy and focus.

Final Thought

Try committing to one month of intentional planning using a diary. You may be surprised by how many positive habits begin to form. Once these routines become part of your day, everything feels easier—and your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

Originally posted on MBS Global PD

Returning to study can feel like both a fresh start and a daunting step. For many learners—particularly those balancing work, family, and other commitments—the beginning of the academic year brings excitement alongside uncertainty. Whether you are returning after a break or stepping into formal study for the first time, this transition marks an important moment of change and possibility. The good news is that this adjustment is a process—and one you don’t have to navigate alone.

In this series of posts, I’ll be sharing practical tips, strategies, and insights to help you navigate the transition back into study. From managing your time effectively to building confidence in your learning, the goal is to provide guidance that is both realistic and actionable. Whether you’re a returning student, exploring postgraduate study, or simply looking to make the most of your learning journey, these posts are designed to support you as you settle back into the rhythm of being a student.

Welcome to the first in the “Getting into the Groove” Series

Studying can be a challenging endeavour, especially for adult students balancing a full-time job, a business, and family responsibilities. My own educational journey began after watching Educating Rita (Gilbert, 1983), a movie based on Willy Russell’s play. The story follows a working-class woman in Liverpool who decides to study literature at The Open University and faces a range of obstacles along the way. (The movie is now available on YouTube.)

Like Rita, I also studied literature, and I often joke that I transformed from a student like her into a lecturer—though I’m not the alcoholic professor portrayed by Michael Caine! Over the years, as an adult educator, I’ve witnessed the transformative experiences of many students, the challenges they faced, and the strategies they used to succeed. These insights have inspired me to create content that addresses the real struggles of mature students.

I’m excited to announce the launch of a YouTube channel, blog series, and workshops designed to support your educational journey. I encourage you to follow and engage with my content, where I’ll share ideas and practical tips to help reduce stress, build confidence, and make the return to study more manageable and rewarding.

Read the subject outline - check the assessment due dates

Assessment Overview

While it may seem straightforward, gaining access to your subject outline is a critical first step. Be sure to download it and take the time to familiarize yourself with the due dates and identify whether each assessment is individual or group-based. Creating an Assessment Overview, like the one shown in the image is an effective way to stay organized.

Start with Your Subject Outline

Accessing your subject outline is a critical first step. Download it early and take time to:

• Note key due dates

• Identify which assessments are individual vs. group-based

• Create an Assessment Overview to visualize your semester (like the example shown in the image)

Organize with Color Coding

Assign a distinct color to each subject and use the same color in your diary to mark lesson times. This strategy helps:

• Keep your schedule clear and consistent

• Make it easy to spot overlaps or busy periods

  

  Plan Around Your Semester Length

• For 10-week trimesters, adjust your Assessment Overview to suit the condensed schedule

• Visualizing assessment dates early helps prevent last-minute surprises

Check Your Commitments

• Schedule time with group members as soon as teams are announced

• Early collaboration reduces stress and sets you up for success

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Colour-Code Your Diary

Whether you use an electronic or paper diary, colour coordination helps you stay organized.

• Block out all class times, including face-to-face and online sessions.

• For Zoom classes, add the meeting link directly to the diary entry for easy access.

• Assign colours to different categories: subjects, work, and family events.

Keep Everything in One Diary

Many students use multiple diaries, but one diary is simpler and more effective.

• Track all due dates, classes, work meetings, team meetings, and family commitments in one place.

• Using colours consistently helps you quickly identify priorities and avoid scheduling conflicts

• Example Layout

  • Family events: yellow

  • Work events: green

  • Subjects: labelled as per your visual overview

  This example shows a student returning to full-time study with a part-time job, though many mature students manage full-time work with part-time study. Adjust the layout to suit your personal situation.

Summary

A colour-coded, single diary is your secret weapon for managing study, work, and life. Block out classes, work, and family events, review regularly, and stay on top of deadlines. Start small, find what works, and watch your diary become a roadmap to focus, balance, and success.

References

Gilbert, L. (1983). Educating Rita [Film]. YouTube. https:www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6aKjzmas70

P = Pause
We rush through our days — getting ourselves ready, supporting family, meeting the needs of colleagues, clients, and everyone in between. What often gets lost is the simple act of stopping. Pausing allows us to plan, reflect, or simply breathe. After decades of working with executives and students, I’ve heard the same refrain over and over: people rarely give themselves time. Yet even a short break — a quiet coffee, a walk, a day for reading, gardening, or a weekend away — helps restore clarity and energy. Pausing isn’t indulgent; it’s essential.

A = Activity
Dedicating time to an activity you value is equally important. This can take many forms. Reading for pleasure or for study is one option, especially for adult learners who often feel overwhelmed by the volume of reading they need to complete. Fitness matters too — walking, gym sessions, yoga, or any movement you enjoy. You might even combine activities, like listening to a podcast while walking (while still staying aware of your surroundings). Or choose a hobby that brings joy. The aim is simple: carve out time each week, even briefly, to step away from daily demands and do something that replenishes you.

W = Write
Writing has long been recognised as a powerful tool for reflection and mental clarity. You might keep a gratitude journal to cultivate a positive mindset, or jot down what you achieved in your day, especially how you navigated challenges. Writing can also serve as a “brain dump,” helping you clear mental clutter by listing ideas or tasks. Putting thoughts on paper can reduce overthinking and create space for new insights.

S = Set boundaries
This often begins with learning to say no — a skill that can feel uncomfortable but ultimately liberating. Setting boundaries can be as straightforward as blocking time in your calendar for PAWS activities. Scheduling time for yourself reinforces your own importance, and like any other appointment, it becomes something you’re more likely to honour.

Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing more about the value of PAWS and offering practical ideas to help you incorporate it into your life. To begin, try completing a five‑day log to track how you spend your time. This free PDF can be printed or added to OneNote or your preferred digital app.

Start today: track your week, complete the five-day log, and give yourself full permission to PAWS. Commit to one restorative activity—schedule it in now, and notice its impact on your clarity and energy.

The Eclectic Mix 5 Day Logbook

632KB ∙ PDF file

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Watch this space — The Eclectic Mix has now launched on Substack. It will be a place for conversations that explore the mind, body, and spirit, along with reflections on transformation and other ideas that spark curiosity. A thoughtful space for anyone who enjoys following the threads that connect how we live, work, and grow.

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