Arguably, one of the most challenging parts of high school is figuring out how to stay on top of schoolwork while maintaining an active social life. Either you have all A’s, or you have all the friends. But there are multiple strategies that can help students get the best of both worlds.
First and foremost – organization. The most basic of strategies for having a healthy school and life balance. Whether you write down your homework in a planner or type reminders into your phone, it is important to stay organized so you can achieve everything you want to and not have scheduling conflicts. Organization also helps in prioritizing tasks so they can be accomplished in the most efficient manner possible. Prioritize due dates by writing down tasks in order of when they are due. In doing so, you lift the stress of encroaching deadlines off your shoulders.
Next, it is important to practice mindfulness and maintain a healthy lifestyle. To practice mindfulness, you must focus on staying in the present and not worrying about things you are not doing. Getting enough sleep is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to cdc.gov, “teenagers aged 13-18 should sleep 8-10 hours per 24 hours.” It is also helpful to be mindful of your diet and try to exercise at least three times a week for or 60 minutes daily.
Balance is important in all parts of life, no matter one’s occupation or age. Whether you write in a planner or go for a run after school, it is important to prioritize mindfulness and balance as focusing on one aspect of your life too heavily could potentially lead to excessive amounts of stress and/or burn out.
