If you're like me, you'd feel confident in saying that it is incredibly hard to understand how to balance college life.
Before college, I never had to think about balance. Maybe that is because I had a whole lot more time on my hands, and now, I feel like there are not enough hours in a day for to accomplish all that needs to be done.
We go and go and go, and we soon realize running on this go-with-the-flow engine doesn't work very well.
We can't just be with friends all of the time, because our grades will suffer and we will have no idea what is being discussed in class.
We can't just study all of the time, because then we will find ourselves feeling socially awkward, out of the loop and sad.
We can't just constantly give ourselves alone time, because we will go crazy.
What do we need? Balance.
So you ask, Ashley, how the heck do I achieve that balance? Well, I have compiled a list that will help you achieve this balance you so very need.
1. Create a schedule
Wake up 15 minutes earlier every morning to plan out your day. This is the art of productivity!
2. In this schedule, include social time
So I get it, you have an insane amount of homework. But, for your sanity, you need to give yourself time to be social and to create relationships with other people. We need relationships. So make time to go to that club meeting, or ask some of your BFFs to get dinner together. Even though it might only be an hour of socializing, it will brighten up your day dramatically.
3. As well as social time, make sure you include work time
We were born to work. This is in our nature. Make sure you are studying and getting homework done, but please, don't go overboard with it. The amount of time we study doesn't always correlate with a good grade. What usually promises a good grade is how you study, so make sure you focus on learning the concepts and material before you stay up until 3 a.m. in the library.
4. Plan "me" time
You need to give yourself time to do what you want to do. I like to read, so I make sure to give myself time to dive into a great story every day. Some people like to work out, while others like to write or listen to music. Whatever it is, plan time for yourself to enjoy being by yourself. Alone time is good, and you have to give yourself a break.
5. Give yourself time to sleep
This is very, very important. It is recommended that college students get 7 hours of sleep a night, so that's the goal for you. In the morning when you are waking up for your class, you will certainly not regret it.
It is entirely up to you as to how you split these up. The key is to try to make sure they are all equally prioritized. I just try to fit in all of these in one day, but I surely would not be able to do that without the help of my planner. My planner is my lifesaver. If you don't have one, please get one. It is borderline impossible to achieve balance without one (or so I think. If you can achieve balance without one, I am incredibly happy for you).
Balance is tough to figure out at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked.
