How to balance academics with social activities. A wise man once said, “No man is an island”. This is very true. We all need to socialize and relate with others in as much as we may not want to. It is more of a necessity than a choice. Although we have academics to worry about, school goes far beyond studies. Just because you are in school doesn’t mean you wouldn’t communicate with your parents, siblings, or even acquaintances. The thought of it alone is absurd and we all need a listening ear at one point or the other.
Sometimes, academics and social activities seem to be worlds apart, but in reality, they are closely related. You may wonder if I can participate in social activities and still have time to study. Of course yes! In fact, we learn a lot more from others than from ourselves. Not just academically but in other ways like socially.
During my days at university, I engaged in various activities such as playing football, participating in basketball, and of course, spending time with coursemates and friends. The key to successfully balancing these commitments was in planning out a well-defined schedule for all my activities. By meticulously planning my time and allocating specific slots for each activity, I was able to efficiently manage my academic workload while still actively participating in sports and nurturing social connections. This organized approach allowed me to make the most of my university experience and enjoy a fulfilling and well-rounded lifestyle.
Social activities may appear to be a distraction but it wouldn’t be if we balance the equation on both sides. Below are some tips on how you can achieve this stability. But before then, let talk about practical things that distract students;
Things that make students not balance their academic and social media.
- Social media
- Relationships with the opposite sex
- Been addicted to watching Porn for long.
- The uncontrollable playing of Video games.
- Always on sleep mode.
Related: 10 Best Ways to Avoid Distraction as a Fresher in Nigeria Universities.
HOW TO BALANCE ACADEMICS WITH SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.
Most importantly, you need to set a goal for yourself.
It is very important not just for the fun of it but because it will keep you focused and on the right track. Having a goal will keep your mind busy and set on achieving it and minimizes your distraction. Set a mark for yourself, and remind yourself every day what you want to achieve and how you want to go about it, at the end of each day, evaluate your progress and it will determine if you are on the right track or if there is any deviation. Having a goal would keep your mind busy and set on achieving it and minimizes your interest in non-beneficial associations. Note, the word minimizes does not mean that you are cut off entirely from the outside world. It is just a guideline toward the right path.
Have a plan.
Having a plan is different from having a goal. When you have a plan it’s more like a timetable in what you are meant to do and how many minutes you are to spend doing it. In your plan, you may include some social activities you enjoy. It is part of what you want to do for the day. You wouldn’t be penalized for having a little alone time or a time out with friends or schoolmates. That is not a big deal. It however becomes an issue when it overshadows your study time. So as much as you can, stick to your plan.
Set your priorities right.
Do what is most important first before the less important things. Attending your friend’s birthday party is important but, is it more important than your final test schedule that same day? No, unless you really don’t want to graduate. Prioritize after making your plans and ensure that your priorities are in the right other of importance.
Learning how to say No won’t harm you.
It is not so difficult, just two letters. And it is not every gathering that you are invited to that you say yes to. It is very understandable that you don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings or appear to be a bad person before your friends, but bear in mind that not every day is a Yes day. You have a goal to achieve and you are invited for a day at the beach. It is just an invitation. If you are set on achieving that goal, politely decline the offer. If they don’t understand, that is okay. You are trying to balance your life in school and sometimes people’s opinions don’t just matter. Say the word. After all the word No, means Next Opportunity.
Consciously working on enhancing your self-control.
As hard or unrelated as it may sound, it is necessary for survival in any academic institution. You don’t just roam or relate with every Tom, Dick, and Harry. If you are one who loves partying and relaxation, an easy life, and no stress at all, then you need to face reality. Nothing comes easy especially success. You cannot attend every party on campus. Everybody loves enjoyment but don’t forget that too much of everything is bad. Instead of going to the cinema to watch that favorite series of yours, stay back and study. More series would come, there would definitely be more interesting movies and if you cannot control yourself and you must watch, what time do you have left for your academics? Your favorite musician is having a show and you so want to attend but you have pending assignments to do.
Make a choice. Academics or Music? You can always download the song, it will probably sound better than it did at the show. Get a hold of yourself and cut down on those things you previously enjoyed.
Get to know your friends.
Have friends with whom you can discuss academics while having fun. Having friends of like mind with you helps to create better equality between your studies and fun. You can have quizzes, play educational games, and talk about several topics but still be able to easily bounce back to your academics because you all think alike, and understand what you aim for and how to achieve it. Remember the saying “Birds of the same feather, flock together” Always have this at the back of your mind and apply it in your life in school.
Learn how to manage distraction.
Definitely, distraction must come your way in trying to achieve your goal. managing distraction as a student guides you on the right path. For instance, make a plan to go to study between the time of 4 pm to 7 pm. In between this time frame, distraction must crawl in. Is your responsibility to manage it by declining it.
Night class.
Night class can disorder your plan for the following day. Especially if you went for Till Daybreak(TDB), Night class can disrupt your academic and social activities from becoming balanced. Sincerely you can’t cheat nature, there’s no way you will be awake throughout the night class and you will end up being productive the following day. Moreover, night classes can lead to fatigue and reduced energy levels, making it more difficult for students to engage in social activities after their classes.
Related: Must I Attend Night Class to Pass Exams in Nigerian Universities?
SEE ALSO: 10 ways not to sleep in a night class.
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