Maintaining balance as a student is something many of us struggle with, it’s hard! Having a sense of balance throughout your daily life, especially as a college student, is essential to your well-being; the more you are able to manage your responsibilities, the happier and more stress free you will be!
Why do we need balance?
Balance is essential for doing well in school and maintaining your mental health. College is often seen as a time for freedom, exploration, and endless possibilities - it can understandably be stressful trying to take advantage of everything college offers while taking classes. Recent research has shown that college students suffer from significantly higher levels of stress, and lower levels of well-being than the general population (Balancing Work, School, and Personal Life....A Positive Psychology Approach). This stress could be caused by: the difficult transition from high school into college, rising cost of tuition/more financial burden, career pressure in an unstable economic environment - the list goes on. If you’re reading and find yourself relating to these stressors, take the time to ask yourself: “Am I making time for myself and my basic needs?”. It can be so easy to forget to take care of yourself as a student - so taking some “me time” might not be the first thing on your mind.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Balance?
A lack of balance comes along with a multitude of negative consequences for college students. This includes: more stress, increased dropout rates, more physical and mental health related concerns, substance abuse, poor sleep, and more. It can be difficult to succeed academically if you fail to take care of your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Being stressed can be a good thing in certain circumstances, it keeps us focused and aware of everything that may need to get done. Despite this, it can become a problem when your stress level becomes more than a tool for motivation; this can be considered ‘stress overload’. Signs of stress overload include: anxiety or panic attacks, feelings of constant pressure, irritability or moodiness, stomach problems, headaches, poor sleep, substance abuse, and symptoms of depression.
How to Create Balance
Practicing self-compassion is important when attempting to create balance in your life. Self-compassion is defined as, “Being open to and moved by one’s own suffering, experiencing feelings of caring and kindness towards oneself, taking an understanding, non-judgmental attitude toward one’s inadequacies and failures, and recognizing that one’s experience is part of the common human experience”. It is essential to extend kindness to yourself, and understand what works best for you before being tough on yourself. Managing the demands of your education, career, and social life can be challenging, but you can be successful if you keep certain things in mind.
Be present
Try not to stress about the things you cannot control, or even things in the near future. Focus on the task at hand.
Set a schedule for the week using a planner or organizer
Try and set aside time for studying, socializing, exercise, and other tasks that may take up a chunk of your day. Try experimenting with the best times for you to study, and figure out how often you may need a break.
Reward yourself
If you find that you have been successful in planning out your day/week/month - reward yourself! This could mean taking a break from studying, ordering your favorite food, or watching that show you’ve been meaning to.
Keep in mind that you are only human
If you are mentally and physically drained, it is going to be a lot harder to get things done. When planning, try to make time for a favorite hobby or some down-time to keep you energized and motivated.
Utilize a support system
Be open with yourself and others about the expectations you set for yourself, as well as the expectations others have of you. This will help lighten the load, as well as let people know when you are free, and when something may demand your full attention.
Learn to say NO
As a college student, the stress of an impending career, exam, or deadline can consume us so easily. If you feel you are already spread thin, it is okay to say “no”. Remember certain things are only temporary, and turning down joining that club won’t be the end of your college career - putting too many things on your plate can add to your stress levels and take your attention away from where it is needed most.
Resources:
University Counseling Center (UCC):
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (Mon-Fri)
Phone: 607-777-2772
Location: Old O’Connor 264
Book an Appointment: https://binghamton.medicatconnect.com/
Fleishman Center
Recognized by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) as an Exemplary Career Center, the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development is dedicated to supporting and preparing students with all majors for advanced education, careers and purposeful living.
Contact Info:
University Union (UU-133)
607-777-2400
Advising by college:
Other:
Free Apps:
Calendars: Planner & Reminders
Google Calendar
Daily Planner - Habit Tracker
Productive - Habit Tracker
Egenda - Homework Manager
Homework App
Pocket Schedule Planner
Sources
About the Author: Abigail Duvall
I am a senior integrative neuroscience major pursuing a Masters in Global Public Health after graduation. I joined REACH because I wanted to play an active role in destigmatizing student health issues and educating the campus community. Spiritual wellness is something I practice daily, whether it is taking the time to meditate in the morning, or taking a few minutes a day to practice being mindful! I find it very effective and grounding, and has provided me with stress relieving techniques to help me navigate the semester.