Do you ever feel completely overwhelmed? Mentally drained? Although that is a part of life, there are ways we can mitigate these feelings, specifically by finding balance in our day-to-day lives.
Hi guys. Sorry. I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus. A bit fucking overwhelmed, more so. Lucky for you, that means I have a lot on my mind to write about. Unlucky for me, that means my head is all scrambled. But before we get into the spiraling thoughts, can we talk about how my senior trip to Vegas would lead to one of the most emotionally exhausting weeks in my life? Between the preparation for a long weekend (i.e. front loading all of my school assignments and work shifts), partying for three days straight, and returning home at midnight to jump right back into it all, my body is fighting for its life. My mom has always drilled the idea of balance into my head. “Balance is key,” she says. And, she’s right. Work is important. School is important. R&R is important. But, maintaining that balance is essential.
So, what does this look like? How do we maintain balance going forward? Well, it is going to look different for everyone in terms of habits and routines, but one of the most important things we can all do is take life one day at a time. I will be the first to admit that I can’t rest until I feel like my to-do list is fully accomplished. Assignment due Friday? Sorry, can’t go out for $2 Tuesday unless it’s finished. I used to consider this strict work-then-play mindset my balance. But in reality, it doesn’t work out in my favor. It leaves me in an anxious headspace for the first half of the week and socially drained by Sunday. By declining any and all social events throughout the week, my weekend calendar becomes physically and emotionally exhausting. I don’t know the best metaphor to use here, but think of it like a diet. When I restrict myself from any fun during the week, I crave it so much by Friday that I am often left disappointed… or overdoing it. My trip to Vegas was a prime example. I worked tirelessly throughout the week to have the freedom of the weekend, but I also worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to make my vacation count. And, damn did it take a toll. Lesson officially learned, Mom.
If you ever struggle with balance, moving forward, I want you to consider the following in a week’s timeline:
Determine your priorities. First, what do you need to do to get into the right headspace to get things done? As mentioned in a previous entry, taking a morning walk clears my head, and in turn, allows me to conquer the rest of the day. Once you’re there, what’s most important on your to-do list? Mark things on your calendar as urgent. Consider deadlines and assignment weight.
Time Block. Our time is limited, and this can be stressful in itself. Simply put, time blocking means assigning periods of time for specific tasks. This allows you to gain better control over your agenda, and maximize your efforts in a timely fashion.
Learn when to say yes, and when to say no. Speak up about what you need. Working too many shifts? Tell your boss. Overwhelmed with an assignment? Talk to your professor. People can’t read your mind. And trust me, it is better to speak up than get buried in stress.
So, what do I need to work on? Well, for one, when my roommates ask me to play pickleball on a whim, I should take the offer. Rather than think of it as an hour out of my work week, I should think of it as an hour spent benefitting my mind and body. Or, maybe I should finally have that talk with my boss about having every other game day off. Taking these small time blocks for good fun and good company allows me to have a more balanced week and weekend. Mom, please don’t text me, “I told you so.”
Drafted September 8, 2023
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