Balancing a full workload at school and still finding time for a social life can be a significant challenge for many students. School can be extremely demanding, and there’s often intense pressure to work constantly or stay up all night studying for a big test. The truth is that these practices often hurt more than they help. Students are actually generally best served by having time to relax or pursue their preferred recreational activities, rather than staying cooped up in the library for weeks on end. If you need some tips, keep reading for a basic guide to achieving a healthier school-life balance.
How can you achieve a healthier school-life balance?
Making a schedule is the best place to start. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you’ve accomplished everything on your to-do list, which is a priority. However, you also need to use your schedule to decide when you’re going to stop working for the day. Schedule free time for self-care or to participate in activities that you enjoy. The time you use to rest and recharge is just as necessary for your productivity as the hours you spend in the library studying.
Scholarships for college students can allow you to work fewer hours and have more time for yourself when you aren’t in class. Scholarships can come from the federal government, the state government, the college or university itself, or from private organizations. If you’re eligible, join honor societies and academic clubs that inform you about scholarship opportunities in your area. You can also ask your school guidance counselor for more information about scholarship programs or contests that are a good match for you. If you want to do your future self a favor, try to obtain as many scholarships as you can.
Finding an activity that you enjoy outside of school is key. When you have something to look forward to outside of school, it can make the experience more enjoyable and relax you after a long day. Activities like surfing lessons offer a reprieve from reading assignments and algebra homework and provide a host of additional benefits. Whether you’re interested in grabbing a surfboard and hitting the waves or heading down to your local library, what matters most is that you make time to do something that you love.
What else can students do to reduce stress?
An easy and affordable way for students to reduce their stress is to spend more time outdoors. Studies have shown that spending just 20 minutes interacting with nature can boost your mood, increase focus, and reduce cortisol levels. For those who are unaware, cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the body when it experiences stress. There are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy nature. A simple walk in the park is enough, though you can opt for more adventurous activities like hiking or camping if you’re interested in them.
Sleep deprivation is a common problem for students, especially college students. In the short term, sleep deprivation can result in fatigue, decreased productivity, and an increased risk of accidents. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a number of health problems. These include obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Poor sleep can also trigger problems with memory, concentration, and decision making. For students, lack of sleep usually results in diminished academic performance.
Students have a lot to manage throughout the course of their education. Trying to fit in a social life can seem like an impossible task sometimes. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to give yourself more of a break. Scholarships can ease the burden of the cost of your education, which will allow you to work less. Outdoor activities, especially those that involve interacting with nature, can help you have fun and alleviate stress at the same time. No matter what approach you take, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and your wellbeing even when you’re in school.
