By Kanika Agarwala | @deca.kanika | Burlington DECA, MA
As we approach the end of the back-to-school season, we are finally beginning to get used to our routines. Most of us have to balance schoolwork, DECA, extracurriculars, sports, and part-time jobs. Oftentimes, it can feel overwhelming and stressful to manage so many different responsibilities.
Here are five ways you can make sure you are staying on top of everything.
1. Keep Track
Every week, make a list of all the events, deadlines, social commitments, and exams you have coming up. Make sure your list is easily accessible, whether that be on your phone or in an agenda. You can even set reminders in your calendar app!
Also, make sure to plan ahead when you know you have a busy week. For example, if you have an important test on Friday but work Thursday night, try to complete other tasks on Wednesday night. This gives you more time the next day to focus on studying. Planning ahead helps you stay aware of everything coming up and gives you a plan to avoid unnecessary stress.
2. Eliminate Distractions
One of the best ways to get your tasks done efficiently is to eliminate distractions. When you sit down to do your homework, consider leaving your phone in another room or putting it on Do Not Disturb mode. You can also set screen-time limits on apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat to resist the temptation to scroll endlessly.
Another way to eliminate distractions is through time-blocking. Set aside specific periods of your day to study for an exam, work on homework, or prepare for a DECA conference. During these periods, try to focus on one task at a time.
3. Take Time for Yourself
Time management also means making time for the things that bring you joy, whether that is spending quality time with family, watching a movie, playing a sport, or simply sleeping in on a Saturday morning.
It is important to give yourself time to recharge during busy periods. Having things to look forward to can also make stressful weeks feel more manageable. Remember, being productive does not mean you have to be busy every second of the day.
4. Build a Support System
Identify the people around you who can help you achieve your goals and will always root for you. Find study buddies in your classes who you can lean on when you have questions. If you are struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Your school likely has many resources, such as office hours, teachers, tutors, and academic support programs, that can help you stay on track. You do not have to manage everything on your own.
5. Know Your Priorities
When you have a lot going on, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Instead of trying to complete everything at once, identify which tasks are the most important or time-sensitive.
Try creating a short list of your top priorities for each day. Once those are finished, you can move on to smaller tasks. Remember that you do not have to do everything perfectly. Sometimes, staying organized means knowing what deserves your attention first.
At the end of the day, balancing high school, extracurriculars, work, and your personal life will not always be easy. However, finding a system that works for you can make your responsibilities feel much more manageable. The goal is always to make time for the things that matter most to you.
