Balance is probably one of the biggest things that the Academic Skills Center’s blog stresses. And as new students entering into an ivy league school, I wouldn’t be surprised if many of you feel overwhelmed by the number of organizations available to you, the number of social events you’ll be invited to, and the fast paced learning environment that the quarter system here provides.
A good school, work, and social life balance is imperative when it comes to being your most productive and happy self in college. However, making our interpersonal relationships a priority while also ensuring that we stay on top of our studies and our financial obligations can make being a student especially difficult. Coping with all of these responsibilities can be tricky, but it is possible if a sufficient amount of initiative is taken.
Set Realistic Goals
Setting goals that are both practical and attainable is extremely important in being a successful college student and in not losing confidence in your ability to succeed. Not doing this can lead to precarious consequences such as low self-esteem, guilt, procrastination, and even more serious side effects like obsessive/compulsive behaviors, eating disorders, and depression.
Prioritize your goals in a way that puts you and your needs at the forefront, not the needs of your family and friends. You are the only one that can gauge what you are able to accomplish in a given situation. Be realistic, but also make sure to set your goals high enough so that you feel a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. That’s where the balance comes in!
Manage Your Time
Prioritizing your time is a key skill that will prepare you for success. Successful planning will help you avoid procrastination and get more done in the 24 hours that you have in a day. Keep in mind that it is just as important to schedule in downtime for yourself as it is the schedule in time for school work, extra curricular activities, and socializing time.
Johns Hopkins University’s Student Assistance Program gives a few tips that you can incorporate to better effectively manage your time:
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- Plan out your schedule
- Make a weekly to-do list
- Prioritize your work
- Break large tasks into their smaller components
- Set goals and deadlines for projects
- Avoid perfectionism
- Honestly assess the amount of time you waste
Manage Your Stress
There are two different kinds of stress: good stress and bad stress. Good stress “keeps us focused and aware of all the things that need to be done. It can motivate [us] to study harder and complete assignments and projects on time” (Johns Hopkins University’s Student Assistance Program).
Bad stress, on the other hand, causes too much of the stress hormone, cortisol, to be released into the body. This hormone can cause very negative side effects to one’s overall health: from headaches to gastrointestinal problems to heart palpitations and so on. Cortisol is the “fight or flight” hormone, meaning that once the process has been started, the stress has to be released from the body or else harm is done to it.
Some ways to keep your stress levels in check are to eat a regular and balanced diet. Figuring out a diet that is rich in vitamins, fruits, and vegetables could be the key to keeping your mental and physical health in check over the long term. It is also important to remember that a regular exercise schedule is a great way to release endorphins and increases the oxygen supply to your brain. All in all, these tips will affect your mood in a positive way and decrease those bad stress levels.
Know When to Ask For Help
It’s important to remember that you are human and that burnout is a very real thing. With this in mind, make sure to know when to ask for help. Use the support systems that you have created organically to inspire and motivate yourself to achieve your goals. This includes your family, friends, and even close colleagues.
Also keep in mind that Dartmouth has a plethora of resources crafted specifically for you to support your mental/emotional, social, and academic needs while you are a student at this institution. Dick's House is a great resource if you ever need physical or emotional care. We here at the Academic Skills Center can also help you with any academic needs or concerns that you may have. Remember that you have a whole team rooting for you, so don’t be afraid to use your resources. Feel free to email us at Academic.Skills.Center@Dartmouth.edu or visit our office in the Baker Library in Office #224 if you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any of your new endeavors at Dartmouth!
Resources:
- Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., Empowering Academic, College, and Career Success
- Sharon M. Weinstein, 8 Tips for Finding Balance in College
- Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program, School Life Balance
- University of Utah Office of Public Affairs, Cortisol: The Good News, Bad News, and the Downright Ugly Truth Behind this Stress Hormone