The Balance Between School and Life

By: Medha Annam

https://www.darlingdowns.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/our-stories/feature-articles/signs-you-might-be-experiencing-a-burnout-and-how-to-regain-balance-in-your-life 

Where does one draw

_______________________

the line?

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How can things go from feeling free to

feeling just fine?

Is that an abrupt question, or simply what has been unknowingly wandering in your mind?

When students try to balance their lives with academics, it can be difficult to draw that line and find what works for them. 

After interviewing a few students, many replied saying that they didn’t really balance their lives, which caused them a lot of stress. Some stated their work was “overwhelming” and that oftentimes they had to give up some of their personal time to finish their work by the due date. 

However, many students gave their ideal strategy of a school-life balance, which was focusing, keeping organized, while also enjoying their school life. For example, one student that was interviewed stated they “work hard during the school week, but try not to stress as much over the weekend” (anonymous).

So, why is it so important we learn how to create such a balance now?

Well, if you work too much without enjoying life, you can get burnt out and lose sight of your goal at times. According to the Cleveland Clinic, overworking can lead to increased stress, lack of motivation, low productivity, strained relations, fatigue, etc. 

But if you do not focus on academics, you may struggle with grades. It seems almost impossible to have one thing without the other. But it can be possible, as long as you figure out where to draw that line. As teenagers, now is the time to experiment and figure out a good balance that will stick with you as you enter the workforce or continue working.

I cannot tell you what may work, but if you work hard and enjoy life in a way that works for you, then who cares how slanted the line may be?