When someone has a busy schedule and a busy life, it can be hard to find balance. That’s something we already know. Something we don’t talk about though is the fact that it can be easy to get caught up in doing too much for other people. Of course, it’s great to help out your friends and be supportive towards those around you, but every now and then, I think it’s important to check in with yourself and remember that at the end of the day, you’re here for you. It doesn’t make you selfish, it doesn’t make you a bad person, it just means you need a little time.
Over the summer I was working and balancing friends (as many people do), however, I started feeling like I wasn’t doing things that were necessarily making me happy. I love my friends and I love being with them, but I started to feel like I was just trying to satisfy those around me rather than listening to my own wants and needs. When I realized this, I started to take time to understand myself and what makes me happy. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. This is something I also struggled with at school so I knew it was important to make a plan so that I would be happy and successful in the fall.
Fear of missing out is a valid struggle, but I’m glad I’ve gotten over it. For me, that was the first step in living for myself. I have often felt like I couldn’t give myself a break, and I had to attend every single hangout or every social event. Understanding that you are not missing out by staying in one night is crucial. When I came to this realization, I was finally able to relax and understand that I could do things that benefitted me rather than a whole group. It doesn’t mean you can’t hang out with your friends or that you can’t go out, it just means that if you feel like you would be happy taking a break or maybe practicing self-care, then you should.
On the flip side, if you feel like going out, hanging out with people, and being social would make you happy, then that’s what you should do. The point of this whole story is just to do what you want because at the end of the day you’re the one who matters the most.
Can’t get enough of HC UMass Amherst? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, listen to us on Spotify, like us on Facebook, and read our latest Tweets!