Work + life balance (Student Edition)
Truthfully, I don’t really have one :’)
Being a student feels hard enough, but this semester especially has had it hard to balance my friends, managing household duties, and even posting on here. Which the latter is a hobby, so engaging with my hobbies too.
I’ve tried a few strategies, but it feels like they fall apart after a few weeks. I don’t know if that’s mostly the ADHD at play, but that’s likely another factor.
I’ve been told it gets better/easier the longer in college- I’m really hoping that is the case.
At the moment, my current strategy involves trying to combine activities. For example- when I have to read textbooks for classes that are digital I will listen to them like an audiobook or podcast instead of physically reading it. I do go back and highlight the pages later on, but doing that while gaming or cooking helps avoid the “I could’ve been doing that” guilt that I get.
More importantly, at the moment I tend to plan my breaks, rather than plan when I’m working on things. Planning breaks gives me something to look forward to.. in a weird way. It also internally sets a deadline for myself. Like “oh I have to be done so I can do xyz”. Hanging out with friends could be an example, though sometimes my plans like this could just be watching a movie with myself.
This seems to be somewhat working, but we’ll have to see how that goes. For now, I suppose the best advice is to do what you can. My dad always says “you don’t have to know everything, just enough.” with grades, maybe that can apply to other areas of life. Like housework for example. You don’t have to deep clean your entire home in one day, maybe only cleaning your bed sheets and the floor is enough for that day.
I think I’ll try to apply that mindset to my life for awhile and see how it goes.
What strategies have you guys been trying?
#embracevulnerability #Lemon8Diary #shareyourthoughts #healthylifestyle2024 #lemon8challenge
Maintaining a work-life balance is vital, especially for students juggling academics, social lives, and personal responsibilities. Many students face challenges like time management and motivation, particularly when dealing with ADHD or other distractions. Embracing a mindset of doing 'just enough' can alleviate pressure— focus on priorities and break tasks into manageable parts. Instead of deep cleaning or studying for long hours, target specific tasks such as laundry or summarizing key textbook chapters in shorter bursts. Techniques like listening to audiobooks during mundane activities can optimize time. While it’s common to struggle with balance initially, implementing these strategies can lead to better management of studies and life. Joining student communities online or in-person can also provide support, encouragement, and shared experiences that make the journey easier. Engaging with peers can spark new ideas and foster connections that enrich the overall college experience. Keep experimenting with different approaches until you find what works best for you. Prioritize self-care and acknowledge that each person's balance looks different; adapt strategies to fit your individual needs for a healthier lifestyle.
