Tips and Tricks to on How to Balance School, Sports, Sorority and Self Care

One of the biggest reasons that people don’t join sororities is worrying about the time commitment. It was the same reason I didn’t join right away. - Sydney Hagensick

I already had school and cheer to worry about, and I didn’t know if I could handle anything else. Here are some of my tips and tricks to help balance school, a sport, a sorority and a social life all while maintaining good mental health.

1. My agenda is my best friend.

Honestly, I use my agenda more than anything else in college. In High School, I never used an agenda, and I don’t think I could have survived college this far without one. It’s so important to stay on top of school work, and not be late or miss anything since it’s so hard to fix a grade once you fall behind. I use my agenda to write down all of my assignments daily and weekly, and anything else important like exams. I also make sure to cross out when something is accomplished so then I know what is done and what still needs to be done. In my agenda I also write down any other events I might have in the bigger calendar section. This is where I put practice and game times as well as when chapter or other events are so that I know if anything conflicts.

2. Have a weekly or daily to-do list.

Especially towards the end of the semester around finals time, I am so busy that even having everything written down in an agenda I still feel overwhelmed. I like to have a weekly to-do list of what I need to get accomplished and when very visible in my room so that I can see it everyday. For me, I have a huge mirror so I write my list on there. I use dry erase markers, so that as soon as I’m done with something I can just wipe it away. Having a big mirror to write on is a plus, but just writing to-do’s in a phone would work just as well.

3. Productivity is key!

For cheer I have practice anywhere from 3-4 times a week normally starting around 7 oclock at night. I also have chapter once a week, and depending on the season could have football or basketball games that I also have to go to. That doesn’t leave much time to actually get homework done during the night, so I have to make the most of the time I have during the day. This means getting homework done in between classes instead of taking naps or distracting myself with my phone or anything else. Getting work done in the middle of the day is actually super helpful too, because at the end of the day when classes are over you can use that time to just relax and hang out with your roomies.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Understanding that someone has already gone through what you are going through now is so important. Your sisters are some of your biggest supporters, and they understand how you may be feeling. Use them to help you! Go to study hours, sit with them in your classes, and most importantly don’t be afraid to ask for help!

5. Find time for your friends and yourself.

Sometimes when you just can't work on homework anymore it is important to find time to relax. Some of my favorite things to do are to have movie nights or dinners with my friends. I also love being able to take a bubble bath and do a face mask and just sit and not think about anything else. As important as school is finding time for yourself is just as important. Remember that this is college and you should still be having fun while getting an education!