How do you know what is more important at the time when everything is piling up? So much to do and no one (but yourself) to it. Taking on project after project because trying new things is fun but you did not realize how busy you would actually be. At times it literally feels as if you are drowning in your to-do list. Not because of poor time management but because the to-do list is infinite. Once you cross off something, three more things are added.
You have missed dinner gatherings or ski trips because you are busy. Friends say that they do not get to see you as often. A mixture of emotions boils inside you. “What do I do?” You ask yourself. My school work or go out with friends?
It can be complicated thought process.
I really need to do my homework. I’m paying for school. School is important. It’s the right thing to do.
But, I need a break sometimes. I only live once. YOLO. School doesn’t define my intelligence and capabilities. I can wake up earlier to finish my work.
You are not going to wake up early. You have responsibilities. But you should have fun. You deserve it. But you need to pass this class.
Like a tennis game, you go back and forth. Either settling based on peer pressure or by your own internal court’s verdict. Whatever you chose, you do not want even a tiny bit of guilt or regret.
Related: How to Kick Procrastination’s Butt
So how do you manage work and play?
Better time management? Not necessary, though it is important. The key is to define your priorities. Then the rest falls into place. Once you determine you want school/work, friends, gym, ect in your life then trash the others things. Instead of having things fall into second place, third place, you have many first place priorities. Everything is a tradeoff at some point. Some days you work and some days you play, however soon you’ll be able to do both in the same day. It just takes time for you to define your desires.
The point is do not feel bad that you are busy right now. You have work to get done. This is not forever, you will get free time at some point so do not stress yourself out even more than you are. Take it all at face value. You have things to do to, then do it. You have free time, spend it. In order to have a balanced work and play life then you cannot eliminate one parts or the other from your life. Simply define your boundaries or you’ll soon find that someone will do it for you. And you may not necessary like it.