College is full of opportunities for learning, personal growth, and socialization. But with so much going on each day, how can you strike the right balance between your studies and your social life? Take a look at the following tips!
Budget your time.
Just like you budget your paycheck, budget your time. Figure out how much time you have, and how much of that time needs to be devoted to classes, meetings, studying, sleeping, and any other responsibilities. Then, with the time you have left, you can schedule social events and fun leisure activities. Although it may not seem fun to schedule out your life in this way, it’ll give you a much better idea of how much time you need to spend studying and how much time you can spend doing things that you consider more enjoyable.
Set goals.
You’re probably used to setting goals for your studies, but don’t forget to set goals for your social life as well! These could be as simple as joining a club, making time each week to spend with friends, or enjoying several fun social opportunities each month. When you make something a goal, it’s easier to set up a plan to reach it. You also tend to look at a goal as more of a priority than an option, so it’s more likely to get done.
Realize it’s okay to say no.
It’s easy to say yes to everyone because you don’t want to let anyone down (or because you genuinely want to do as much as possible), but what isn’t as easy is following through on everything when you overcommit yourself. That’s why it’s so important to realize that the world won’t stop turning if you tell someone no, or even if you let them know you’ll need to check your schedule and get back to them.
Take care of your physical and mental health.
Don’t let your health slide because you’re so focused on studying and socializing. If you don’t take proper care of your health, chances are that you’ll end up crashing and burning later on. So do your best to eat nutritious food, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and drink enough water to stay hydrated. Using healthy coping mechanisms for stress is very important for good mental health as well. For more information on mental health topics, take a look at BetterHelp.
Cut back on activities that aren’t productive.
Do you notice that you spend way too much time procrastinating on your responsibilities by watching Netflix or scrolling through social media? As difficult as it may be, it’s best to cut back on unproductive activities so that you’ll have more time for the things that absolutely need to be taken care of each day.
There’s no perfect formula.
Everyone has different energy levels and emotional bandwidths, so it only makes sense that the way various people balance their lives in college can vary greatly. So try not to worry so much about what you do in comparison to what your friends do to find a balance. Instead, focus on figuring out what is most effective for you.
The Bottom Line
There are so many responsibilities and opportunities available to you in college that it can be hard to find a balance between all of the things you need to do and all of the things you want to do! Some simple tips to strike the balance between your studies and social life include budgeting your time, setting goals, saying no when necessary, taking care of your physical and mental health, and cutting back on unproductive activities. Remember, this balance looks different for everyone, so take the time to figure out what works best for you!
About the Author: Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
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