Finding a Balanced Lifestyle, Navigating our Busy High School Lives

Do you feel like you never have enough time to get everything done? Because I definitely do. It is not uncommon to feel like there are never enough hours in the day to accomplish everything we set out to do. The constant juggling act of work, social commitments, and personal responsibilities can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin. Too often, we find ourselves staying up late, gambling our sleep over studying, just to wake up the following day with no energy. We get so busy that we forget the importance of balance. We forget that sometimes we have to step back from our work, stress, and strict schedules and take a breath. Taking a step back from the chaos can make a world of difference, even for a moment.

Do not get me wrong, working hard is a good thing. I have always taken pride in my dedication and work ethic, but having a balance in your life, not just with work but with friends, exercise, sleep, and playtime, will lower your stress and benefit your mood and attitude towards activities. I speak from personal experience when I emphasize the significance of balance.

This brings me to my first piece of advice: learning to acknowledge your boundaries and set priorities. It is easy to succumb to the pressure of trying to do everything at once, especially in high school, where we must excel in every aspect of life. We are told to pack our resumes with clubs, varsity sports, community service, and, on top of all that, exceptional grades. In reality, it is rare and hard to “have it all,” so compromises are necessary to keep yourself happy. 

It is crucial to have priorities as it helps you to allocate your time effectively to tasks and activities you may deem important. For instance, many may consider academics as one of their main priorities due to future career aspirations, or family expectations, or simply for personal fulfillment and validation. Within the academic realm, I have personally discovered the value of prioritizing certain classes based on my genuine interests and their relevance to my desired future. 

However, it is vital to recognize that life extends beyond academics. Your life should not solely revolve around school, studying, or sleep; you must incorporate and prioritize other activities that contribute to your overall well-being and keep you grounded. Have something to look forward to in your schedule, like participating in a sport, hitting the gym, or enjoying outdoor activities. Engaging in physical activities will improve not only your physical but also your mental capacity, making it easier to execute other activities. 

Amidst the hustle of academics and the exhilaration of sports, the significance of dedicated relaxation time cannot be overstated. Understanding the value of relaxation time is not synonymous with slacking off; it is finding moments for yourself that distract you from the chaos and introduce a sense of tranquility, giving you time to recharge both your body and mind. Incorporating a walk outside, reading a book, or meditation will help you have a calmer and clearer mind, helping with positive thinking, concentration, memory, and decision-making. This also brings me to my next suggestion: get sleep. 

In a society that often glorifies late-night work sessions, it is essential to acknowledge the value of rest. Some people take pride in pulling all-nighters but do not realize the toll it takes on their overall well-being. A CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System survey found that nearly 73% of high school students do not get enough sleep on school nights, and it is a problem (CDC). Just like relaxation time, getting adequate sleep is not a sign of laziness; if anything, it shows commitment to one's health and productivity. Studies have proven that we, teenagers, should be getting between 8-10 hours (John Hopkins Medicine). However, I would say a consistent 10-hour sleep routine may be stretching it. Try to sleep around 8 hours, and if you do not see this as a realistic goal, consider compromising naps into your day. I could go on and on about how staying healthy is key to maintaining a balanced life, as it impacts your physical and mental well-being and increases your motivation to do many activities. 

To implement these suggestions effectively, consider creating a schedule and recording personal goals. Do not make your schedule too packed and unrealistic, and include time to do different things. Write goals, no matter how small or big they are. Whether running three times a week or reading ten pages daily, consistent efforts can cause positive changes in your life. Embrace these suggestions with an open mind cause if it worked for me, why wouldn’t it work for you, too?