HOW TO BALANCE SOCIAL LIFE AND ACADEMICS

Having trouble with balancing your life? Do you want to have friends, and do fun things, but also want to perform well in school? Lucky for you, it's possible to have a social life while achieving highly academically! Below are helpful tips to ensure this balance!

1. Don't procrastinate!

When you know you need to get something done, just do it! Think of how much better you will feel once it's done! Especially if you have plans coming up or want to hang out with friends, not having school work hanging over your head will feel so much better! Check out the “Tips to Being Productive” article for more, as being productive is essentially the opposite of procrastinating.

2. Acknowledge Priorities!

Make a priority list; whether it involves assignments or tasks to do over the week, weekend, or for the day. If you have something non-academic scheduled, make sure you do whatever it takes to complete your priorities before that time. Then when it comes time to have fun, you won’t be stressed or worried about important tasks you have yet to complete.

3. Make a schedule!

Making a schedule and writing down a to-do list helps to “get everything out”. Once tasks are floating around in your mind are on paper, it helps you see clearly all that needs to be done. It can be a lot less stressful. Then, once you are aware of the to-do tasks, you can effectively plan your time. Estimate how long it will take for each thing to be completed. Remember your priorities, and put them at the top of your list. Next, follow along with your list of tasks and set a specific time for each one to get done. It will help you stay organized. See the picture below for an example.

4. Give yourself breaks!

While making your schedule, make sure to include time for breaks. Breaks are crucial as they recharge your mind and allow you to relax before starting something else.

5. Don’t strive for perfection.

Although it can be hard to resist the urge to perfect all of your work and grades, it only has negative consequences on your mental health. It is okay to want to succeed in school and try hard, but do not get caught up in perfectionism. You’ll feel a lot better if you congratulate yourself for your accomplishments instead of talking down on yourself when not achieving your unrealistic standards.