Ariana Dominguez is a junior majoring in communication with minors in advertising and Spanish. Ariana is an LAS marketing intern, where she puts her passion for content creation into practice. In addition to her internship, Ariana is involved in the Association of Latino Professionals for America and the Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.
Balancing life as a college student can feel like a roller coaster, with lots of up and down moments. Sometimes, it truly feels impossible to balance it all at once. From classes, work, personal time, and social plans, giving everything equal attention can feel overwhelming.
Although, as I’ve gotten the chance to experience a few semesters here at Illinois, I’ve learned that balance is about finding a rhythm that works for oneself. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about learning to make choices that support what you need while also supporting your goals.
Here are a few things I’ve found helpful to implement, some of the habits and little routines I personally try to practice as an Illinois LAS student trying to stay grounded and present through the busy student life.
1. Starting Off Mornings With Intention
I often find that my mornings usually start around the same time each day in order to create some sense of consistency in my schedule. Having this consistency allows me to feel more in control of my schedule. I’m able to slow down and take a breather before my day gets busy.
Additionally, I also like to make sure I get ready for the day, eat breakfast, and check my planner and schedule so I know what to expect. I’ve also been trying to implement journaling or stretching as I wake up instead of immediately going on my phone. It’s something simple, but it truly does help me feel more present instead of overwhelming myself with distractions and random information first thing in the morning.
2. Staying Organized and On Top of Deadlines
A lot of my days as a student are centered around class, studying, and assignments. As an LAS student, my courses and assignments often involve readings, discussions, and group projects, so staying on top of it all and being organized is a must.
There are definitely days when many things pile up and it feels as though there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done, but having a to-do list and planner can help break everything down into more manageable tasks.
For me, that organization starts with my planner. I personally use Notion, a digital planner that allows me to check things off, set and receive reminders, and keep everything synced across all my devices. I have a task list for things that have to get done, class assignments, and RSO necessities. It’s like having a journal that holds so much. That being said, it is important to mention that there is no “one size fits all” solution. Some students prefer physically writing their tasks down, using materials such as sticky notes, colorful pens, and highlighters, while others thrive with a digital system. A hybrid approach is also becoming more common, meaning students may use a digital calendar for meetings and class based work while also using a physical planner for daily priorities.
Overall, the most important thing is to find something that is best for YOU! Try experimenting with different methods and techniques. In the end, the goal is to simply make your days feel less overwhelming and more manageable all throughout!
3. Checking in With Yourself
Above all, it’s important to take time to step back and reflect. Whether it’s taking time to get a drink at your favorite coffee shop, going for a simple walk, taking a break from screens, or simply letting yourself rest with a nap, all of these things are what will incorporate balance into your life. Being productive is difficult to do if you’re running on tiredness and stress. Learning to pause and catch a break is just as important as persistently working hard.
What You Can Take Away
In the end, I hope you took away from this that balance isn’t about doing everything absolutely perfectly. Balance, as a student in LAS or just as a student in general, is about learning what works best for yourself and learning to accommodate to what you need in moments when things feel off.
Here are a few things you can try, considering some of the things I have mentioned above and overall additional recommendations you can follow!:
- Celebrate small wins: Whether it is completing a small assignment or getting through a busy week, these things are worth celebrating and recognizing!
- Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself: It’s always good to reach for the best and believe in yourself, but you should also know that not everyday has to be your most productive. Adjusting any expectations can relieve a lot of stress. Be kinder to yourself!
- Learn when to say no: This one can be difficult but always remember to protect your energy and time when you feel overwhelmed. Knowing when to say no can help you avoid burnout in the future.
- Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience you’d give a friend: It’s easy to be hard on ourselves, but if a friend came to you feeling stressed or exhausted, you’d support them. Show yourself that same level of understanding and compassion!