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Maintaining balance between our academic studies and social relationships is crucial to our overall wellness and health.
Importance of Balance
Importance of Balance
As students, we understand that trying to find time to socialize with our busy schedules can be a challenge, especially when balancing classes, assignments, and personal responsibilities. However, maintaining a social life is as important as excelling academically - it helps reduce stress, creates a sense of meaning and purpose, and gives one a support network that they can rely on (Vivek 9).
"The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity."
~Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy
How to Manage Social Life and Academic Success
How to Manage Social Life and Academic Success
Achieving a balance between our academic and social life is difficult but possible with the correct strategies.
- Plan Your Week:
In order to keep academic studies from overlapping with family gatherings, dinner dates with friends, and other social events, keep a calendar, preferably in a noticeable and frequently visited spot, with important due dates so you could plan social gatherings with enough time to balance both responsibilities effectively.
Having a separate weekly planner is also recommended. Being able to visualize your week can help you squeeze in time to spend with friends and family.
- Set Priorities
Most students will put off hard time consuming assignments for later which can lead stress to build up. Tackle hard tasks first so you could enjoy your social life next.
In both academic and social life, focus on quality over quantity. Don't overload on social events otherwise it could negatively impact academic success.
- Combine Social and Academic Activities
Who said studying had to be done alone? Create study groups with friends and meet at a cafe or library. Try to to teach them what you're studying; it will reinforce your understanding while also allowing your friends to learn knew things.
Get to know your classmates or group members by arranging meetings outside of class time.
- Join Clubs and School Events
Build connections, develop your skills, and enhance your resume - all while forming meaningful relationships with others.
- Communicate and Ask for Help
As students we sometimes overload on school work. Make sure to communicate with your professor and let them know early that you are struggling and ask for guidance.
Take advantage of our campus resources. They exist to make your academic experience easier.
- Take Care of Yourself
As human beings, in order to function properly we need proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Make sure to take care of yourself so you can have the energy for both social and academic life.
Social relationships don't require much, sometimes a quick text or phone call can help nurture you relationships.
~
(“How to Balance Academics and Social Life in College: Tips”),(Bartlett et al.)
The 8 Dimensions of Wellness
The 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness is defined as "an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence"(Health & Wellness Quick Reference Guide).
The 8 Dimensions of Wellness is a holistic framework for addressing the overall wellness of an individual.
The Dimensions are:
Physical
Intellectual
Emotional
Social
Spiritual
Vocational
Financial
Environmental
Social and academic balance play a role in our overall wellness. If you find that strategies above don't seem to be the answer you need or didn't aid in fixing your struggles, it is suggested that you consider your wellness from a holistic perspective. These dimensions go hand in hand and although they don't have to be perfectly balanced, if one dimension is lacking in attention it could disrupt others (Stoewen). By considering wellness holistically, a more balanced and fulfilling approach to your academic and social life will be created, ensuring overall well-being.
As shown above, social relationships fall into the social dimension of wellness and academics fall into the vocational or occupational dimension of wellness.
~Victoria Akimenko
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