Whether you're working full or part time and you're studying for work-related or personal reasons - here are a few ideas to help you find time to study when you're already busy.

Commit to your study time! You have a goal. This is a short-term commitment which will result in giving you the skills and qualifications you need to take you further.  Understand your motivation and reasons for doing this. To improve your career, to get a job, to change jobs ...

Set out a timetable when you can slot periods of study into your normal day. Where's your slack time? When do you tend to waste time or spend time on low value tasks?

• Get up earlier - study for 30-60 minutes at the beginning of the day
• 30 minutes in your lunch break
• Reading time on your daily commute
• 1-2 hours in the evening
• 1/2 a day or a few hours at the weekend

When I was working full time and studying for my Open University degree course, I needed to find the time to study in between working during the day and often at weekends.

The evening was when I was able to do most of my study.  After all - most of us collapse in front of the TV in the evening and although you may have had a busy day at work, you can manage a couple of hours.

You may also choose to take a half day every week or even a full day once or twice a month when you can dedicate your time to studying. If it's business related, you may find you can set aside a few hours a month of work time to study.

Plan your study time across the weeks and months before any exam - avoid cramming it in to the last minute just because you've been too busy.  Little and often.

Study in short bursts along the following lines.

• Plan what you're going to study
• Preview the work for this session
• Work/Study for 20-30 minutes
• Take a 5 minute stretch/refresh break 
• Repeat the work/break sequence for 1-2 hours
• Review what you've been studying in the last hour

Get into the right mindset for studying.  You won't be able to concentrate if your mind is on other things.  Get these out of the way first or worry about them later, so you can focus on studying.

Find somewhere that's conducive to study - your office, the kitchen table, a cafe, library - wherever gives you undisturbed time with minimal distractions.

Avoid getting stressed by studying.  Make sure you set aside time for rest and relaxation. Having a social life, exercising and fun also need to part of the plan!

Are you a full time student - need more tips on studying? Download Time Management and Productivity for Students. (Kindle)

Studying while working full time? Free eBook 'How To Find Time To Study'.