Work-life or School-life balance is important to students as maintaining a healthy balance can help to avoid “burn-out” and support good physical health and mental wellbeing.
"It's all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between work and friends and family."
- Philip Green
Is Work-Life Balance for a Student Different?
Let's start with the broad and general answer first.
What is Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is the state of stability and serenity, where a person equally prioritizes the demands of their career / academic career and the demands of their personal life. There is no side of life prioritising over the other.
So do you think it's different for a student?
In my opinion, the things you are trying to balance may be different but the concept remains the same.
What do Students Have to Balance?
- Classes / Lectures
- Studying
- Exam Prep
- Homework
- Assignments
- Tutoring
- Family time
- Socialising with Friends
- Eating Regularly
- Keeping Hydrated
- Sports and Exercise
- Hobbies
- Sleeping Properly
School-Life Balance Managing Your Time
Time Management is a key component of both academic and professional success. It is an essential skill that will help you concentrate your efforts on what is most important to you.
"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."
- Oprah Winfrey
Some tips to help you better manage your time include:
- Create a study timetable
- Make a weekly to-do both hobbies and a study/revision list
- Break large tasks into their smaller components
- Set goals/deadlines for projects
- Make time for spending time with friends
- Embrace cheesy family moments
- Avoid perfectionism
- Honestly, assess the amount of time you waste on the 'what ifs'
Self-motivation, self-discipline, time management, and the ability to prioritize are all essential ingredients in creating a healthy life balance.
But when your stress level becomes more than a motivating tool, or when pressures are too intense or last too long, you may be in stress overload.
"Every time I start to get worked up over something, I just think to myself, 'Is this really going to matter in my life tomorrow, in an hour, in a year?' You just can't get stressed about the little things 'cause it's just not worth it at the end of the day."
- Kylie Jenner
Signs You're Over Stressed
Yes, stress has been known to keep us focused and aware of all the things that need to be done, the right amount of stress can motivate you to study harder and complete assignments and projects on time. However, when your stress level becomes more than a motivating tool, or when pressures are too intense or last too long, you may be in stress overload.
Some Signs of Stress Overload
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- A feeling of being constantly pressured, hassled, and hurried
- Feeling irritable and moody
- Physical symptoms such as stomach problems, headaches, or even chest pain
- Allergic reactions, such as eczema or asthma
- Problems sleeping
- Drinking too much, smoking, overeating, or using drugs
- Sadness or depression
A Few Ways to Relieve Stress
- Regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep stress levels under control.
- Body-Mind relaxation, you can do this through meditation, massage, and breathing exercises.
- Increase your Vitamin D. Take short walks in the sun. Studies show that Vitamin D increases a positive and focused mood.
- Laugh. Laughter is now and has always been the best medicine!
- Practice positive self-talk. Remind yourself of all the things you do well.
- Adopt a mantra such as “this too shall pass” or “I can handle this.”
- Ask for help. People who have a strong network of family and friends manage stress better.
"Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress and thus tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body."
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
Managing the Demands of Study, Friends, and Family
Managing the multiple demands of your academic and personal life can be challenging.
"I've learned that I can't have a packed work schedule and a packed social schedule and a packed personal life; I need to just have time to myself to sit and breathe and unwind."
- Kim Cattrall
However, if you keep a few of these tips in mind, they should help you out along the way:
- Be in the moment. Don’t worry about what you aren’t doing, or what has yet to be done. Stay focused on the task at hand, don’t worry about work when you’re in class or studying, and don’t let work or school interfere with spending quality time with family and friends.
- Create that timetable and get organized. Plan everything in short periods of time (40minutes to an hour), study, family time, exercise, and other tasks that need to get done including sleeping and hydrating. Experiment with the best times for you to study and how frequently you need breaks.
- Reward yourself. You should plan a reward for sticking to your schedule or completing your work before a deadline. A lot of students use their weekends as reward time. A half-day off study to socialise with friends or binge-watch their favourite show.
- Know when you need help. Remember that you're only human, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and exhausted but if those are the only feelings you're having you may need help.
- If you can, use your support system of family, friends, teachers or tutors. If you don't feel like you can reach out to those close to you with concerns may be a chat with someone who has an outside perspective might help. Services such as Jigsaw offer online chat and text services where you can chat about some of the stresses and anxiety in your life.
- If it's academic help you need don't be afraid to reach out to free study services provided by your school or college. Alternatively, you can seek private tuition from services like our very own Superprof!
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