Everyone is different, and with that comes different techniques to manage school work and extracurricular activities. A collected list from Princeton review offers a variety of tips to manage stress.
Practice time management. It is important to make lists of what needs to be accomplished by the end of the day. It shouldn’t be overwhelmingly long; if it is, the items should be prioritized based on importance and deadlines.
Make a schedule and limit unproductivity. While it’s important to set high goals, make them realistic. Try not to attempt too much at once, as it’s better to take on less and succeed rather than drown in a myriad of activities.
Evaluate your commitments. If the extracurricular activity isn’t valuable to your interests, drop it. Don’t choose something that you think will boost your resume or college application. Instead, choose something that you find interesting, as it’s the passion that shines brighter than the activity.
With these activities, it’s also important to prioritize your academics. Set aside time to study and complete assignments. If you’re struggling with a class, reach out to your teacher. Plus, Morris Hills provides a free, helpful tutoring resource: Tutor.com. Figure out what works for you.
For those who are involved in sports, clubs, and activities outside of school, these commitments on top of school work are overwhelming. Delegate your tasks, and ask for help. There is nothing wrong with needing some assistance from your family, friends, teachers, or staff.
When juggling multiple responsibilities, striking a balance becomes essential. Krishna Shukla, a sophomore in the Academy, and Eshaan Bansali, a senior in the Magnet program, offer valuable advice on how to manage it all effectively.
Krishna emphasizes the importance of setting clear priorities. Noting that he plays soccer in and out of school, he tries to plan his day beforehand.
Organizing his schedule in advance helps him stay on track. Krishna admits that his schedule sometimes changes, but it provides him with structure. This method allows him to stay focused and feel less overwhelmed by his responsibilities.
Participating in extracurricular activities is an exciting opportunity to explore your interests and become involved in your community. “I think it gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day,” Krishna said. He explained that they serve as a break from the routine of schoolwork, offering something enjoyable at the end of a busy day.
Eshaan Bansali participates in various school activities such as basketball, DECA, and FBLA. With all of this on his plate, he tries not to procrastinate the assignments that he gets.
For example, he completes simple tasks, such as homework, almost immediately, while working on longer assignments throughout the week to ensure they are submitted on time. He breaks up the work instead of cramming it in a short period of time.
Taking part in extracurricular activities, Eshaan believes that he has gained a numerous amount of skills regarding public speaking, time management, and work ethic. He mentioned that these activities can be tiring, but also motivating.
“Make sure that you’re a part of the student community,” he said. “Make sure that you’re having fun …and not just spending all your time in the classroom or studying.”
Most importantly, take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep every night, eat healthy food, and relax by doing something that you enjoy.