Being a student usually requires a bit of balance, but students who are committed to a variety of activities and initiatives—including student athletes—may find an even greater need for balance. Being part of a team and pushing yourself physically can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be taxing. Here are some of our best tips to strike a balance between being a high-achieving student athlete and a happy, fulfilled person.
- Time management will help you focus on the right thing at the right time.
- Create a weekly ‘to-do’ list that includes your class schedule, athletic practices/games, and meetings. In doing so, your study, athletic, and free time is easily accessed.
- By spreading larger tasks across your schedule, you won’t find yourself overwhelmed.
- Assess wasted time and adjust that time into your schedule.
- Your relationship time is essential to your overall mental and physical health.
- Don’t procrastinate — by doing so, the schedule that you have set up can become cluttered and cut into the valuable free time that you need to stay healthy and happy.
- Meeting your academic goals on time will lessen anxiety and stress, and will give you more free time.
- Pay attention to stress, and focus on stress-relief whenever possible.
- Stress can be a positive by motivating you and keeping you focused, but when stress becomes unmanageable, you may be in stress overload.
- Pay attention to ongoing sadness or bouts of depression, or if your sleep patterns change. Physical symptoms may include headaches, stomach irritation and chest pain.
- If you experience too much stress, or symptoms like the ones above, talk to your parent(s)/guardian(s) about seeing a physician.
- Try full body relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and meditation.
- Studies have shown that receiving enough Vitamin D increases a positive, focused mood. Best of all, it’s free, courtesy of the sun!
- Small things can set you up for success.
- Inform your teammates, friends, and family about your schedule, ensuring uninterrupted time when your focus is required. Distractions should be kept to a minimum.
- Eating well and getting quality sleep are essential, not only during your high school and college years, but also as an adult.
- Have multiple study locations, providing yourself with a variety of places that fit your mood and are in proximity to your daily schedule.
- Use your phone and devices wisely. Tools like screen time-limiting apps and pomodoro apps can be helpful, but devices can also be a distraction.
- Fun must be a part of your busy schedule. Let loose and enjoy the complete school experience. Making memories is just as important as your studies and sport, and they will last a lifetime.
School-life balance can be tough for athletes, but with some smart scheduling and a few tweaks to your daily habits, you can set yourself up for success. The habits you make now can help you live a balanced life as an adult, too, so the sooner you start implementing some of these tips, the better off you’ll be. Our final and most important tip is this: remember that you’re part of a community. Your family, friends, teammates, coaches, and teachers are all here to help you. If you feel like you’re struggling to balance your sport commitments, your studies, and your family life, talk to someone. You have a whole support system ready to guide you and cheer you on to better balance.
