Have you ever felt buried under schoolwork but still wanted time to enjoy the sports you love? Trust me, I get it! It’s totally possible to do well in both academics and sports without giving up one for the other. In this article, I will share four essential tips for balancing academics and sports by how to master the art of planning and prioritising, remembering your purpose, overcoming procrastination, and finding the right study space.
Planning and prioritising
The key to balancing school and sports is staying organised. Keeping track of assignments and setting priorities helps you use your time wisely. When you have a lot of tasks to do, it’s important to plan your day in advance. For example, every Friday evening, I jot down all the homework and activities I need to carry out for the following week. I then tend to complete the tasks which are due first or are less time-consuming leaving the longer ones for the weekend, when I have more free time. This method ensures that I stay on top of my schoolwork while still having time to practice my favourite sport.
Remember your purpose
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by schoolwork, but it’s important to remember why you’re studying in the first place. Think about the long- term benefits and rewards of your hard work. From my own experience, when I struggle to find the will or energy to study, I sit on my chair for a few minutes to reflect on how relieved I will feel in the future once all of my hard work has paid off. By reconnecting with my purpose, I am able to push through those tough moments and stay focused on my goals.
Overcome procrastination
While technology can be helpful, it can also be a big distraction. Studies show that students check their phones about 28 times during a single study session, and each distraction can break your focus. To avoid this, I keep my phone in another room while I study (unless I’m waiting for an important message). I also set up a special “Do Not Disturb” mode that only allows me to receive specific notifications. Another way to lighten the load is by taking regular breaks. While l don’t usually take breaks while studying the same subject, I find it beneficial to take a pause when switching between tasks.
Find the right study space
The environment where you study can make a big difference in how well you focus. Try to find a space that has everything you need for studying. I have three main places where I normally study: my bedroom, the living room, and the veranda. Although my room is the most equipped for all my studying necessities, I like to change scenery every once in a while to avoid monotony. Finding your ideal study space is the key to staying on track.
Balancing school and sports can be tough, but with the right approach, it’s totally doable. By planning your week ahead, keeping your goals in mind, and staying organised, you can make sure you’re succeeding in both school and sports. Remember, the key is finding a study routine that works for you and sticking to it. Once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy everything you do, from studying to playing your favorite sport.
Autrice: Emma De Novellis
Photo credit: Pavel Danilyuk
