How Do I Balance Academics with Extracurricular Activities and a Social Life?
Striking a balance between academics and extracurricular activities is imperative for the success of any student in the university. Most students are often victims of the imbalance between a social and an academic life and can never find the proper equilibrium. The ever-lurking question is, why is it so difficult? Students in the university are always enticed by the glamorous social life akin to living your life to the fullest. The fear of missing out among students inevitably leads to a life of expediency rather than one of deliberate intention and purpose. While extracurricular activities benefit a student's growth and exposure, regulation proves to be an increasingly necessary measure.
This article is written to improve any student's impoverished academic life. Persistent academic excellence and other extracurricular activities can enrich any student's experience. Therefore, are you ready to gain some tips for a successful academic life and a fulfilling social life?
Tips for the Proper Equilibrium Between Academics and Extracurricular Activities.
Undoubtedly, academics are essential for any student, as are extracurricular activities. As the adage goes,” All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” Here are some tips for a better approach towards both academics and extracurricular activities;
1. Develop a detailed schedule- a schedule is necessary as it will outline your essential tasks, objectives, and goals. Regarding academics, a schedule will entail [ due assignments, lectures, and study time] while extracurricular activities will feature [sports, club meetings, and maybe volunteering]. A schedule is purposefully made to create order in a disoriented mind. As a student, it is more likely than not that you will juggle between so many activities that can throw you off course. Do not shy away from developing a schedule when entangled in such a predicament.
2. Prioritize tasks- finding the proper equilibrium between academics and extracurricular activities is about setting your priorities right. You create priorities predicated on urgency and level of importance. Engaging in euphoric extracurricular activities when assignments or tests are due is almost absurd. You can always espouse the Eisenhower matrix while setting priorities as a student. Eisenhower matrix has indeed proven to aid in executing tasks proficiently. Eisenhower divides your tasks into four quadrants that are:
a.Urgent and important-priority 1
b.Not urgent and important- priority 2
c.Urgent and not important-priority 3
d. Not urgent and not important -priority 4
3. Learn to say no- I can't overemphasize the importance of learning to say no. You can always treat "no" like a complete sentence. Do not make it your long-life pursuit to be a people pleaser. As a student, it is crucial to understand that all things are good, but not all things are good for you. You do not have to attend every function, and you definitely do not need to be there for every friend. Adopting this mental frame will not only set a precedent for everyone but will extensively emancipate you from indulging in unproductive activities.
4. Delegate and collaborate- as demonstrated by the most successful people, you will go fastest alone but go furthest with people. Delegation and collaboration are all about teamwork, whether in academics or extracurricular activities. A team will ensure you do not overstretch, as the workload is distributed among members by capability and willingness. It is not always wise to play the ''hero'' card. You do not have to be the protagonist of everything, as numerous resources like time and energy will be wasted. If a task can be done better by someone else, why not? The ability to delegate and collaborate will favor finding the proper equilibrium between academics and fulfilling social life.
5. Set clear boundaries- have you heard of students being referred to as "academic nerds"? Such students talk about academics all the time nonstop. The realm of academia is exciting, but there is a need to discern there is life outside university and books. You do not have to be fully immersed in academia at the exclusion of all other things. The key to successfully doing this is by setting clear boundaries. There has to be a disparity between study time, personal time, work, and social interaction time. Do not be one of those students who slip in academics in every conversation, as that will ravage your social life.
6. Practice flexibility and adaptability- as a student, you will quickly realize that life is full of uncertainties, and many unplanned events occur daily. Even a well-sought-out schedule can easily be disrupted by extenuating circumstances. It would help if you made it your mandate to adapt to the ever-changing nature of things. Understanding that things must not go as planned will imbue you with calmness in your academic journey.
7. Prioritize your mental health- taking care of your mental status is a must-do pursuit. Absolutely nothing worthwhile can be achieved in a disoriented mental state. You should make it a habit to take a break from whatever is draining your energy and is detrimental to your mental health. If overwhelmed, do not drown in your anxiety and stress, as that will create a hostile environment for productivity and creativity. You can always talk to your non-judgmental friends or join some self-help groups. Moreover, traveling and finding some peace can quickly restore the serenity of the mind. Do not be overzealous about taking more responsibilities if incapable; prioritize your mental health.
Integrating and daily practice of the tips provided in this blog will extensively illuminate and expound your bounds of knowledge. This blog might be the straw that breaks the camel's back when you finally find the proper equilibrium between academics and a fulfilling social life. Students are often in a tag of war, deciding whether it is the right time to study or engage in some fun extracurricular activity. As this blog has extensively demonstrated, academics and extracurricular activities are necessary for the betterment of a student. It is, therefore, your responsibility as a student to allocate time appropriately with the guidance of your priorities to maximize your full potential. If you feel like your day is packed with endless activities, you can mitigate that by carefully crafting a schedule, as earlier stated. Life is about experiencing; therefore, let life happen to you without shunning the possibilities that come with it.
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