One of the major challenges that students face at school is balancing academics and co-curricular activities. Academics is the core activity for students. At the same time, most schools have a vast number of co-curricular activities.
These co-curricular activities give students greater exposure to the world and can help them acquire new skills. Students cannot neglect these activities. Since both the activities are needed, balancing between them can be a problem.
In this article, we will take a look at how students can ensure the best balance so that they manage both academic and co-curricular activities effectively.
7 Tips for Academics-Co-Curricular Balance
1) Decide properly and wisely
The first thing you need to do is decide which co-curricular activities you want to take up. Every institution offers varied co-curricular activities. They range from student club activities to community service and sports to fine arts. With so many options, choosing one can be difficult.
It is important that you choose the right activities that you can manage during the academic year. Choose the activity that you like or that you are passionate about. While choosing, avoid going with the herd or being influenced by others. Do not choose any activity because your friends have chosen it.
When you choose the activity you like, you will be able to find time for it. Making a wrong decision can result in losing interest in the activity.
2) Set your priorities
When you need to do both academics and co-curricular activities, you are presented with a difficult decision. You may have an exam or project coming up. At the same time, there could be a game or debate coming up. You may be left wondering which activity to choose.
This is where you need to prioritize. Decide which is important for your future and focus on that. In most cases, it could be academics. But there could be occasions where you can skip a class or academic activity for a co-curricular activity. You can do this when the activity is something you are passionate about and will help you in your future career. Where possible, manage time effectively so you can do both.
3) Make a timetable
A schedule or a timetable is the best friend for a student. Other than the timetable made by your school, you need to create a personal timetable. At Nalanda International School, one of the best ICSE schools in Gujarat, we clearly provide a schedule of the academic and co-curricular activities conducted throughout the year. You would also know the dates of these activities, including approximate exam dates.
Now that you know what is on offer, make a schedule that helps you fit in both. In your schedule, first, accommodate all the academic activities. Estimate the time you need for academic activities like tests and projects. Ensure you keep in mind the deadline for the completion of activities while making your schedule.
Keeping these in mind, fit co-curricular activities into your schedule. Once you make a schedule, you will find it easy to balance academics and co-curricular activities.
4) Learn to Say No
You must acknowledge that you cannot do everything. Time is a constraint, and there are plenty of things to be done. The biggest problem students face is when they commit themselves to do activities that they cannot do. Sometimes, you decide to go for a game or club meeting because your friends are going.
This is where you need to learn how to say NO. Do not get influenced by others. Make your decision based on your schedule. Learn to say no to your friends when you know that you don’t have time. A good friend will understand your situation and stop pressurizing you.
5) Learn to be organized
One of the most important things to do is to learn to be organized. Now that you have a schedule ready, you must stick to it. There would be temptations to deviate from the schedule by trying to fit in a last-minute activity. Do not do it unless it is vital for your career. Sticking to your plan is the best way to ensure a balance between academics and co-curricular activities.
You also need to learn to be organized. Being organized and working in a systematic way can help you do both academics and co-curricular activities. Allocate time for each activity so that you meet all your commitments. When you know you have more than one activity scheduled, plan how you would make time for all of them.
6) Focus on your health
Pressure is something you must factor in while studying at school. The pressure of completing academics and co-curricular activities can create stress. This can make you lose focus. It can also make you fall ill. In a situation when there are a lot of pending things to be done, falling ill can wreck all your plans.
Take care of your health while at school. Give time for exercise and physical activities each day, so you are fit and healthy. Give up the temptation to eat unhealthy food and try to get a balanced diet. If you are feeling stressed, try yoga or meditation so you can calm your mind. This can help you be focused, so you achieve your goals without problems.
Sometimes you need a break. Go ahead and take it, so you get the rest your mind and body need. You can then come back reinvigorated to take on your commitments.
7) Get help when you need it
You don’t have to do everything on your own. When the pressure is getting to you, don’t hesitate to get help. Your family will always be with you. They are only a phone or video call away. Talk to your family and share your challenges and the pressure you are facing.
Take help from your close friends. They can help you with your academic activities. Nalanda International School, one of the top schools in Gujarat, has teachers and counselors for you. The suggestions they offer can be helpful. Take their help when you need it so you can seamlessly balance academics and other activities.