By: Zachary Pottle
We’ve all heard the saying, “life is all about balance,” the familiar cliché that’s been tossed around for ages. This saying has been so overused that we write it off as meaningless, yet, being able to balance your life properly is a skill that can not only improve your productivity but your mental health as well. Nowhere is this balance more critical than in the lives of college students. Life as a college student can be very stressful at times. Many students find themselves on their own for the first time, far away from home, and bombarded by their studies. Some students become employed, both on and off-campus, dividing their time even more. So therein lies the question, how can students balance their already busy lives to help create a more enjoyable lifestyle?
There are a few answers to this question, all of which are very easy to implicate in your life. The first of which is to branch out and join clubs or organizations here at Saint Leo. A recent study conducted by the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, posted in the New York Times, indicated that “social isolation is on par with high blood pressure, obesity, lack of exercise or smoking as a risk factor for illness and early death”. It is important to note that classes and jobs were not included in the study. Forming relationships and social ties outside of a “forced” environment are very important, and there is no better place than Saint Leo to do just that. Saint Leo has over 70 different clubs and organizations ranging from academics to intramural sports, all of which are open to students. Not only do these organizations offer a chance to meet new people, but they are also a great way to find people with similar interests.
The next way to balance your life is something everyone has heard, but something every student has ignored at some point: your sleep schedule. It’s common knowledge that the average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep a night. However, the average college student averages just 4.5 hours of sleep a night, according to a study conducted by the University of Georgia’s University Health Center. Consequences of sleep loss include more illnesses such as cold and flu, stress, anxiety, weight gain, and many other symptoms. All of these symptoms can cause students to be less socially active. The answer? Get more sleep. Sounds easy enough, but many students have trouble finding time in their schedules to do so. Simple solutions to this problem are to create a sleep schedule, not oversleeping, eat at least 2 hours before sleeping, avoid caffeine within 4 hours of sleeping, and to make sure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and comfortable.
If you’re looking to better your lifestyle, remember, it is not only about eating right and getting enough exercise. It is about connecting with the people around you who share in your interests and making sure that you are getting a sufficient amount of sleep every night. Creating a balanced lifestyle can be challenging at first, but when that balance is found, it can be extremely gratifying.
