How to Balance College and Social Life

College life is an ongoing juggling act. You’re studying for exams, joining extracurriculars, and trying to manage a social life all at the same time. Finding a balance between these various roles is important to avoid heading towards burnout and to prioritize well-being Follow this advice to help maintain a strong social life while succeeding academically.

MANAGE YOUR TIME.

Academic and professional success are dependent upon managing your time effectively. It is an essential skill that can help you focus your energy on the most critical tasks.

• Make a weekly schedule
• Determine your priorities
• Break large tasks into smaller ones.
• Set deadlines for assignments.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE.

While stress can motivate you to study harder and to complete projects on time, when the pressure last too long, it can also cause health problems. It is important to engage in self-care to help minimize stress overload and prioritize overall well-being

Signs of Stress Overload:

• Poor sleeping pattern.
• Anxiety.
• Mood swings.
• Depression.
• Physical symptoms such as stomach problems, headaches, or chest pain.
• Allergic reactions (i.e., eczema or asthma.)
• Substance abuse.

Examples of Self-Care:

• Consume a healthy meal.
• Get active.
• Hydrate.
• Sleep well
• Do something that brings you joy.
• Sit in the sunlight.
• Take a shower or bath.
• Practice positive self-talk.
• Talk to a friend or loved one.

FOCUS ON THE HERE AND NOW.

Embrace where you are. Do not stress over what you are not doing. Concentrate on what you need to do, and don't let work or school interfere with your family time or your studies. If you start thinking about all the things you need to do while you're attempting to focus on a single task, you're likely to get overwhelmed. Be confident in your ability to schedule everything that needs to get done and commit your attention to whatever task you're tackling at the moment.

SET SMALL GOALS.

When you set unrealistic goals, they are less attainable, and your confidence can take a huge hit. As a result, objectives go unmet. You shouldn't be afraid to strive for the best or have big dreams; the key is understanding your limitations and what it will take to achieve them. Rather than trying to perfect your academic career right away, prioritize smaller, incremental steps. This will keep you working on your long-term goal at a consistent pace. Small goals are the foundation to forming positive habits that support your ambition and reduce your resistance to completing a task.

Always remember to:

• Establish high but realistic standards.
• Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
• Mind your thoughts both positively and negatively.
• Take mistakes as learning opportunities.
• Be open to constructive feedback.

As you can see, consistency, self-discipline, and time management are all essential ingredients to college success.