Whenever I go to a family event, the common questions I get asked are “How’s college?” and “Are you staying balanced in college?” I never was sure why those questions were the ones commonly asked, until I dove deeper into my schedule.
Balance seems like a simple concept, until we apply it into our day-to-day lives. We are juggling so many things at once: academically, socially, mentally, physically, emotionally and even spiritually.
When I think about balance, I personally have a combination of taking a mid-day nap, working on a craft project in my apartment, or even doomscrolling on my phone. Here are some of the other things I do to stay balanced:
- Get ahead of schoolwork.
I currently have two majors and two jobs, and sometimes it can get hectic. When I stay ahead in class, I feel like I understand the lessons more and have a little less stress off of me.
- Plan time for reading or meditation.
Sometimes all we need to stay calm is to breathe. Normally an hour before bed, I try to read a few chapters of a book I am reading for pleasure or take some deep breaths and have time to reflect. Reflection helps me stay on top of things and regulate my mind.
- Start a creative project I enjoy.
Creativity is key for my balanced schedule. It is a way I turn off my mind, and I can do that while painting, writing or doing a puzzle with my roommate.
- Catch up on a show.
There are so many streaming platforms and services to catch up on in 2025. Find a TV show to unwind your mind, and enjoy.
- Spend time with friends in comfortable silence.
Comfortable silence is so valuable because it determines which friends are the “all around” ones versus friends that are casual! Spending time with friends by just being with them really energizes my soul.
When we dive deeper into the concept, there is so much beauty in balance. Our minds are at ease and our bodies can finally relax.
Now, what do we do to find balance? Some rest, keep up with hobbies or just simply meditate.
“The best way I relax is wallowing in bed.” said Andrea Barnett, a senior management information systems major. “Actually, it’s cooking. It keeps my mind at ease,”
While peace can be found in solo activities like rotting and cooking, there can be peace as well as balance in spending time with friends.
“It honestly depends on how I feel at the time,” said Sonni Stephens, a junior world languages and cultures major. “I personally love spending relaxation time with friends, and I try to spend downtime with the people I’m close with. It helps me to relax by either hanging out and talking with them or to just be in the same room as them doing something individual, at least for me personally.”
Some people find peace by themselves, while others find solace in the company of others. Finding balance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a personal journey that looks different for everyone.
“I try to stay balanced by setting aside time in my day for myself and making an effort to keep up with my friends,” said Amanda Feeney, a junior exercise science major. “Sometimes school can be overwhelming and it’s hard not to let school and work take over. When I feel overwhelmed I always call a friend to go for a walk with me or go to the gym. In my free time I love going to the gym, playing pickle ball or watching movies with my friends. I’m also teaching myself guitar and I love playing with the shelter dogs here.”
There is something so valuable in college and in life about really figuring out who you are, whether that is through hobbies, clubs or life experiences. The key is how you balance it all because at the end of the day, we are human and need time to rest and recharge.