Dear Collegian,
I am a sophomore at the University of Toledo and I am currently struggling to balance everything in my life right now. I work part-time and I both like and need my job, but I am already overwhelmed by my classes. I don’t know how to make my school life, work life, and social life all work together while still maintaining my physical and mental health. I feel like I can’t succeed properly in all of them at once. How can I find a balance between multiple aspects of my life?
—Seeking Balance
Dear Seeking Balance,
Working during school while maintaining a healthy social life can be an incredibly difficult combination. Between homework and demands from everyday life, it may feel like you’re drowning in expectations.
However, it is extremely important to keep in mind that your overall well-being is the most important factor here. There is quite a bit to do on your day-to-day checklist, but prioritizing what is the most important each day could be tremendously helpful.
Consider creating checklists of goals and values ahead of time for each day. Be sure to incorporate tasks from each category you find valuable. This could include spending a set amount of time with friends, then setting aside some time for homework, etc. Creating a timeline throughout your week could help you haven’t tried something similar yet.
Your overall health, be it physical or mental, should always be your priority. By deciding which daily events and tasks contribute to your well-being and emphasizing them, you might see improvement in your mood.
You need to create a time during the day that is strictly you time. This could be a period that accommodates your availability, meaning it could only be for ten minutes or even two hours. Do what brings you joy and relaxation, even if it is just a few minutes of contentment, allow yourself to set every chore and worry to the side and enjoy yourself. You could spend this time playing video games, exercising, or eating your favorite snack.
One last point: remember to breathe. This may seem very simple, but it is amazing what deep breathing can do for your body. It has the power to release tension, ease anxiety, and set you in the right frame of focus to do every goal you have set for yourself each day.
You have the power to complete each task you aim to do. Just remember not to overwhelm yourself, take care of your mind and body, and breathe deeply. Reach out to those around you if you find yourself struggling further.
—Emily
