Maintaining a good school-life balance is imperative for academic success and well-being. If you don’t strike the right balance between work, play, and rest, you could eventually burn out. Worse yet, your health may decline and you could fall into depression or anxiety. But don’t worry—there are easy ways to achieve this balance so you can enjoy all aspects of life.
How to Achieve School-Life Balance
Achieving a solid school-life balance doesn’t have to be complicated. But if the thought daunts you, break it down into bite-sized pieces:
Create Daily and Weekly Routines
Daily and weekly routines keep you on track. To create a daily routine, think about your morning schedule and what you need to finish. It’s helpful to write to-do lists the night before, so you can tackle your projects and tasks when you wake up in the morning. If you have a jam-packed schedule, consider using time blocking to prevent the urge to procrastinate or get distracted.
In addition to a daily routine, a weekly one can give you an overview of upcoming deadlines and important dates. Got an exam coming up? Make a note of that in your weekly calendar so you have plenty of time to study for it.
Practice Effective Time Management
Time management is an essential skill that comes in handy well after your college years, so it’s worth mastering. Once you establish your daily and weekly routines, it’s time to evaluate how long each task will take. This way, you can squeeze in just the right amount of projects and activities in a day without overwhelming yourself.
Set timers when you work on homework assignments throughout the day. This will give you a better idea of where your time is going. From there, you can decide how to be more efficient, or allot more time for specific projects that you know will need more time.
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Set Professional and Personal Goals
Setting goals is a fantastic way to stay motivated, and it can also help you maintain a school-life balance. If you set professional goals (like getting an A on the next exam), then it will be easier for you to focus on schoolwork rather than wasting time online or hanging out with friends.
Is your personal life stressful? Consider setting some personal goals (like going for daily walks). Small changes can make a big difference in taking your mind off problems that may be weighing you down.
A common goal among college students is fitness. And this is a good one to have since exercise is a proven method of relieving stress! There are many ways to have fun while meeting fitness goals. Enjoy running? Block out an hour every day to run outside or on the treadmill. You’ll feel rejuvenated after and find it easier to focus on schoolwork.
Choose Your Friends Carefully
Did you know? Your choice of friends can either keep you on the right path or take you off of it. So, be conscious of who you socialize with and look for friends who are supportive and encouraging of your goals. Bonus points if they have similar goals as yours—you can keep each other accountable and work toward achieving them together!
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Take Breaks and Unplug
Humans aren’t meant to work and be productive all hours of the day. So don’t feel guilty about taking breaks and unplugging when necessary. Sometimes, giving yourself time away from the computer or schoolwork is healthy. Try going outside for a 30-minute walk and get some fresh air to break up your day.
Make Sleep a Priority
Sleep affects every aspect of your life in ways you may not realize. A lack of sleep can negatively impact your physical and mental health and even your relationships with others.
Get the most out of each day by making quality sleep a priority in your schedule. Not getting enough sleep regularly or struggling with insomnia? Seek professional advice from your doctor.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Sometimes, asking for help is the best thing you can do. Let’s say an assignment has been sucking up your energy because you don’t fully understand it. Nobody will know you’re struggling if you don’t make it known. So set aside time to visit your professor during office hours—he/she will gladly help if you ask! With proper guidance, you can get it done well with less stress and anxiety.
Join Extracurriculars
Extracurricular activities are vital for personal and professional development. If you enjoyed athletics in high school, consider joining a college sports team. You’ll meet new people, build your resume, and get the chance to take a break from studying. Remember that college isn’t just about burying yourself in textbooks. You should have some fun and extracurriculars will allow you to do that.
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Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance Prevents Burnout
Achieving and sustaining a healthy work-life balance isn’t as hard as it may seem. With some self-awareness and dedication to your own needs, you can find a happy medium in your life, enjoy optimal health, and perform well in school.
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