College is supposed to be some of the best years of your life, but sometimes it can feel like there is way too much going on at once. Between classes, studying, assignments, friends, relationships, work, and trying to take care of yourself, it can feel impossible to keep up with everything.
The truth is, you probably will not have everything perfectly balanced all the time. And that is okay. Finding balance is more about learning what deserves your attention at different times and remembering not to forget about yourself along the way.
School comes first, but it doesn’t have to be your whole life
As college students, school is obviously important. It is easy to get caught up in assignments, exams, and deadlines and feel guilty whenever you take time for yourself.
Try making a schedule at the beginning of each week. Write down your classes, assignments, exams, and other important deadlines. Once you know what you have to get done, you can make time for the things you actually enjoy.
You also do not have to spend every free second studying. Taking a break to get food with a friend, go to the gym, watch a show, or just relax can actually help you come back to your work feeling more refreshed.
Making time for your friends
Friends are a huge part of the college experience. Whether you are grabbing dinner together, going out on the weekends, or just sitting in someone’s room talking for hours, those memories matter.
However, you do not have to say yes to every plan. Sometimes you have a big exam coming up or simply need a night alone. Good friends should understand that you have other responsibilities.
At the same time, do not let school become an excuse to completely disappear from your friends. Even something as simple as getting coffee between classes or calling a friend for 10 minutes can help you stay connected.
Relationships should add to your life, not take over it
Being in a relationship during college can be exciting, but it can also make balancing everything a little harder. It is easy to want to spend every free moment with them, especially when the relationship is new.
For some couples, being together means dealing with long distance. Going from seeing someone all the time to only seeing them every few weekends, during breaks, or whenever you can make the trip can be difficult. You may miss important moments together or feel like you are constantly counting down until the next time you see each other.
Communication becomes especially important in a long-distance relationship. Making time for a phone call, FaceTime, or even just checking in throughout the day can help you feel connected. At the same time, you cannot let the distance or relationship take over your entire college experience.
Make time for your relationship, but also make time for your friends, school, hobbies, and yourself. You should still be able to enjoy college and make memories even when your partner is not physically there.
A healthy relationship should fit into your life, not require you to give up the other things that make you happy.
Don’t forget about yourself
This is probably the most important part.
It can be easy to put everyone else first. You might spend all day worrying about your next assignment, helping your friends, or making time for your relationship and then realize you have done absolutely nothing for yourself.
Taking care of yourself does not have to mean spending hundreds of dollars on a spa day. It can be as simple as going to the gym, watching your favorite show/movie, taking a long shower, cooking your favorite meal, listening to music, or having a night where you do absolutely nothing.
You deserve your own time, too.
You don’t have to do everything
One of the biggest lessons college can teach you is that you cannot do everything all at once.
Some weeks, school needs more attention. There will be weekends when you want to spend time with your friends. There will be days when you need to stay in your room and recharge. Your priorities will change, and that is completely normal.
Instead of trying to create a perfect balance every single day, think about balance over time.
You can be a good student, friend, partner, and still make yourself a priority. You just have to remember that you are a person outside of all of those roles.
College is already a time of figuring out who you are and what you want. You do not need to have the perfect routine or perfectly balanced life. Give. yourself some grace, enjoy the little moments, and remember that taking care of yourself is never something you should feel guilty about.