Most students would agree that finding a balance between social life, school and involvement in college is difficult. We live in a never-ending fast pace world where we are constantly on-the-go and there is a constant pressure to excel.
“Certainly in my experience with UNC students, they are very active, involved and overcommitted,” said Allen O’Barr, the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services. “Sometimes it just takes either figuring that out yourself or talking to someone else about it like, ‘I really would like to do all of these things, but I can’t do all of these things. Given what my objectives are right now, this is what I want to focus on.’”
Needless to say, balance is attainable, but also subjective. What one person defines as having balance might differ from another person’s viewpoint. It comes back to what you define as important in your life.
If what you are doing right now isn’t working, there are a few methods you can try to regain balance.
1. Find an outlet for expression
Alleviate your stress through something you are passionate about. Allow yourself to escape reality temporarily through a hobby or extracurricular activity to lower stress and encourage creativity. If you’re struggling to find an escape, find what interests you and stick to it. You don’t have to be good at it.
2. Accept that you can’t do everything
It is hard to accept that we, as humans, are not perfect beings. Prioritize what is most important to you. We have a tendency to put too much on our plates because we want to appear well-rounded. It is better to excel in two or three things than be mediocre at eight things.
