How Can Students Find Balance?

Photo credit: Nandhu Kumar, Pexels. 

Balance is a skill most of us spend excessive amounts of time trying to master. The pursuit for the perfect balance of work, rest, social life and productivity is how many of us believe we will become the best version of ourselves. Never too much of the wrong thing, never too little of the right thing.  

But sometimes, while we’re at university, the scales tilt. The effort for balance disappears. All our energy, every waking moment, is spent on our studies.  

Even when we’re not actively studying, the pressure lingers in the background as assessments pile up or readings follow us home.  

For many students, protecting their wellbeing means deliberately creating space away from academic stress.  

One student said she likes to exercise to improve her wellbeing. “I play water polo, so I like to go for some swims by myself”, she said.  

Another student maintains strict boundaries with her study time. She said, “I don’t work past seven o’clock at night, so I have the night to unwind”. She also prioritises movement at the gym and by doing Pilates. For her, these routines are ways to ensure her mind takes a break from constant academic pressure.  

Each person has their own way of filling their cup.  

As university students, we’re constantly pouring ourselves into long research essays, labs or simply attending class. The challenge is finding ways to refill what we give away. 

Recently, I attended a wellbeing event led by wellness instructor Bee. It involved meditation and teaching the body to reconnect during times of stress.  

During the session, Bee spoke about the importance of vulnerability and teaching the body how to be calm. Bee explained reflection helps people understand themselves more clearly.  

“Taking time to know themselves, who they are beyond social, cultural, or family expectations, helps them understand who is really “in the driver’s seat” of their choices and identity”, they said.  

Balance, it seems, isn’t about perfectly dividing time between work and rest.  

Sometimes, it’s simply about noticing when the scales have tipped and giving ourselves permission to reset them.  

By identifying what activities or holistic practices make us feel better, we can ensure we are finding balance during the heights of term time.  

Bee said to remind ourselves  “the world is so much more infinite than what [we are] experiencing right now.”