LIFE

It feels good to *finally* be back to school, doesn't it? But the transition of going back to school in person after Zoom classes galore can be a *huge* adjustment.

If you're feeling swamped right now—you're not alone. It can be frustrating when it seems you have no time for friends and hobbies because you're caught up in school work 24/7.

But here's the thing: Even though it may not seem like it—it is possible to balance life and school during a hectic year. We're here to help, bb. We've got allll the good tips and tricks to balance everything from school to socials. You're about to rock this year.

Practice not procrastinating

It can be so easy to get distracted and scroll TikTok for hours on end instead of doing homework. But the key to making time for all your fave activities this school year is to not procrastinate. Procrastinating takes time away that you could have used to hang out with friends or go to a practice. Getting your homework done as soon as possible means you have time to do the things you actually want to do.  

Manage your time 

When you're super busy you need to know how to balance your time wisely. If you know you have a big exam coming up, be sure to give yourself enough time to actually study. If you have plans to hang out with your friends after school, make sure you know how and when you are going to get your homework done.

Time management can be totally intimidating at first. But with a little practice, it's an easy skill to master. And we promise—once you know how to manage your time wisely, you'll be able to balance school and socials *so* much better. 

Take breaks

The last thing you want to do this school year is burn yourself out. We can't stress enough how important it is to give yourself a break when you need it. If you're starting to feel overwhelmed it's okay to take a step back. Even just a few minutes of self care will help ensure you don't feel the effects of burnout and are able to perform to the best of your ability all year long. 

Don't overdue it 

We all know how important it is to get involved during the school year—but don't bite off more than you can chew. If you're struggling to maintain a social life or can't keep up with your school work because you have too much going on it might be best to reconsider your priorities.

Being on the move constantly can lead to unnecessary stress. It's important to realize when you're taking on too much and be able to make a change for a healthier, more balanced life. 

Plan a study sesh with friends

Who says studying can't be fun? Get the best of both worlds by planning a study sesh with your besties. Not only are you getting your school work done—but you get to enjoy some quality time with your besties. Next time school has got you down, plan a study sesh to spend time with the girls *and* ace your next math test.

It's OK to say no!

It's super important to spend some time with your besties. But sometimes it's best to say no to plans—even if it's hard. If you're feeling stressed or just in need of a Netflix binge it's OK to say no to your friends and take a break. As we mentioned before—burnout is real and you don't want to overdo it. Slow down a bit so you can be your best self at your next BFF hangout. 

How are you maintaining a school/life balance this year? Let us know on Twitter @girlslifemag!
All GIFs via Giphy

by Paige Mountain | 10/21/2021