BY: Shuntia Gowdy
School is one of the major keys to being successful in the future. However, it is very hard to focus on schoolwork and activities while going through things in your personal life. For example, losing a loved one while trying to study for a midterm is extremely hard. There are so many things going through your mind and it takes a huge toll on your mental health. People deal with situations very differently, so your way of coping with a problem may be totally different from the way others cope with things. Here are a few tips on how to balance your personal and school lives:
Do not go through things alone! Life can be extremely hard. You should always have someone you trust to help you through it. Make sure your support system is strong, because you are going to need it.
Seek counseling. Counseling is an effective way to encourage mental stability. It is okay to talk to someone. A counselor can listen to your problems and keep them strictly confidential.
Take a break. Reward yourself. After a long week of studying and stress, it is okay to sit back and relax. Take a spa day or take a moment to walk around the park with friends or family.
Find something fun to do. When you have free time, go see a movie or go on a trip to the bowling alley. “Fun” is what you make it!
Stay organized. Organization is so important. Set up a schedule for when you want things done. Be sure to set aside time for yourself!
Do not waste time! Time is essential. Do not waste it. You are going to wish you had the time you wasted back after a friend has announced an unexpected get-together.
Talk to your professors. Professors are human, too. They understand that a student can only endure so much. Let them know what is going on.
Understand when enough is enough. You are the master of your life. Do not put too much on yourself. Try to make a balance on when to study and focus on school and when to focus on yourself!