Sometimes, life can be overwhelming. Everyone has so many values and obligations, all of which they care deeply about. In college, you’re preparing for your future career, taking classes that not only prepare you for that, but also attempt to turn you into a well-rounded individual. Not only are you doing this, but you most likely have a job as well. In college, there are many expenses that come up, and making sure you have a job to pay for them is extremely important. Then there’s the obligation of your relationships with others. As an already overwhelmed college student, how can one balance it all?
This issue is not as complicated as you think. Balancing the things you are passionate about gets easier the more you do it. Once you find the method that works best for you and stay consistent with it, the balancing starts to feel more habitual, rather than something effortful.
A great way to do this is to keep a planner or calendar. By writing things down and organizing, you can physically see everything you need to do and when you need to do it. It’s also important to remember to schedule breaks. With a planner or calendar, remembering to do this is easier than ever.
Some may feel that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done, and sometimes, there isn’t. You’re human and can only tackle so much at once. However, there are always ways to balance a lot of tasks without doing more than what’s humanly possible.
Spreading out your obligations over several days is a great way to maximize your time. Even though it’s not getting everything done in one fell swoop, it’s the best way to complete everything without experiencing burnout. Spreading out your tasks and giving yourself some wiggle room also helps you prepare for spontaneous urgent tasks that may interrupt your flow. If you fail to get everything done that you wanted to complete, you might feel bad about yourself, making you not want to do anything.
When it comes to school, it’s usually easy to plan into your day because you already have a set schedule. In order to get homework and studying done, all you need to do is find the gaps in your schedule and set aside the time for it. Since classes don’t always meet every day, that gives you plenty of time to get assignments done before they’re due. When it comes to on-campus extracurriculars, it’s important to see what you have time for. It’s great to be involved, but don’t spread yourself too thin. Having one or two groups that you can dedicate more time to is better than being in ten groups that you may have only shown up once for.
Work schedules are a similar case. Your work schedule is usually pre-set, and all you need to do is block off that time in your calendar. Similar to homework, if your job requires you to do anything outside of your shift, you just need to fill in the blanks of your schedule. Remember, whether it be school, work, or any other obligation, never bite off more than you can chew. Don’t ever feel obligated to do more than what you can comfortably handle. Challenges are good, but not if you’re jeopardizing your sanity in the process.
Personal relationships are also extremely important, especially in college. These are the people who will be influencing you, whether you realize it or not. It’s crucial that you surround yourself with people you admire and want to be influenced by. That’s how you know you’re filling your time with quality people. However, it’s hard to find the time for these relationships, but it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes, sending texts to check in or calling your friends is enough when you’re too busy to hang out. Another great way to make time for your friends is doing small and productive things with them. If you and your friends are busy with schoolwork, you can always get together and work on it. Otherwise, when you realize you have gaps in your schedule, hanging out with your friends and doing activities you find fun is a great way to fill the time.
Overall, when it comes to finding a balance in your life, planning is the best way to go. Without a plan, it’s a slippery slope where you keep putting things off and getting nothing done. Sticking to a schedule you made and you know is attainable will not only help you check off your to-do list, but also help you feel good, allowing you to maintain the things that matter most to you in your life.
Always remember that no two people are alike. Just because your friend seems to be doing a million things doesn’t mean you’re not where you need to be. It’s important to gradually pick up new responsibilities when you have time for them, not load yourself up with stress. Remember, everyone goes through life at their own pace, and that pace is exactly the speed you should be at.