The key to free time is effective time management. As holidays, midterms and finals approach, you have to make time at least once a week for yourself.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are the only days I have just one class. After my class time is finished, I am free to do whatever I want until it is time to take my son to Jiu Jitsu. However, this time is usually taken up by errands I have to run and getting in extra study time before the kids get home.

But, recently I’ve found the importance in having free time. Don’t get me wrong, I still think it’s important to be committed to schoolwork and take school seriously. But especially as holidays, midterms and finals approach, you have to take some time off at least once a week. Whether you start a book that isn’t required for class, go to the gym or hang out with friends. It doesn’t matter what you do with your time, just make sure you take time for you.

I’ve carved out a special night just for me each week. Tuesday nights are reserved for free time away from college, household chores and errands. Every week I meet a group of women just like me whose days are swamped with errands, diaper changing, college papers and house cleaning. But on Tuesdays, it is officially, Military Wives Night Out!

We meet for dinner and a movie. It is a well-deserved night off but it is also a night to connect with military spouses who are facing many of the same challenges.

These outings are especially great for me since I’m fairly new to the area and I don’t have many friends. It gives me an opportunity to meet other military spouses and hear their advice. I have also met wives in the group whose husbands are in the same unit as mine. Now, when they deploy, I have a stronger support system with them and they with me.

Since I’ve begun taking this time once a week to leave my busy life, my mind has been clearer.  After my Tuesday class, I go to the library and complete any assignments that may be due the next morning. This way, I don’t have to stay up all night trying to complete them after my free night out.

Also finishing my homework earlier in the day gives me more quality time with my family, which I truly enjoy. I don’t feel as stressed and I’m actually more focused on my schoolwork!  I look forward to my Tuesday because it’s like a reset for the rest of the week.

I recommend that all of you look for the free time in your busy schedule. It’s a must! Even the smallest amount of time for you will make an enormous difference.