Balance is one of the 8 core values of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Balance is the ability to live a well-rounded life. It can be challenging to balance our time commitments. We are balancing college, sisterhood and self-care.

Balance is one of the most important core values for me. I have a lot on my plate year-round including college classes, work on and off campus, giving campus tours, being on the Greek Council Executive Board and on the Executive Board for the Theta Chi Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha, playing professional indoor soccer, and participating in programs such as Leadership Fellows and the Honors Program. My biggest struggle with balance during college has been my ability to say no. I am not a people pleaser, but I am an “overachiever” as some people say. If I am asked to do something and it is something I want to do, I say yes and make space for it in my schedule. This seems great because I am getting the most out of my college experience and I will look back on everything happily. However, this means I am taking away time from self-care and time I can spend with my sisters.

Here are some of the tips and tricks I use to balance my life:

• Planner/Google Calendar – I live by my paper planner to keep track of my daily schedule. I write every class, meeting, practice and obligation in it. I also list every assignment and task in my planner. Some people prefer a virtual version so they use Google Calendar. It just depends on your preference!
• Preview the day – In the morning, set aside ten minutes to look at your plans and make your to-do list. Look ahead at the day so you can plan adequately by dressing for the occasion or packing your lunch for a long day. Your to-do list will keep you focused and on track to accomplish your daily goals.
• Review the day – At the end of the day, set aside ten minutes to review your day and engage in a mindfulness activity. Is there anything you forgot to do or didn’t have time to get to? Make sure it’s on your to-do list tomorrow. Mindfulness activities include journaling, coloring, meditation, yoga and more. These practices reduce stress and allow you to enter a period of evening relaxation.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – Do not forget to schedule time for yourself. Add in study breaks, work out classes, daily walks, time to eat, self-care nights and sister dates. Some people need to fill their social cup, while others prefer to fill their physical activity cup. Prioritize the things that allow you to function most efficiently.
• Ask for help – If you don’t have time to get something done or you run out of time, ask a friend to help you out. If you need more time to work on something, don’t be afraid to ask for an extension. If you need anything in general, lean on your sisters. Your friends are there to help you, but you have to ask.

There are 24 hours in a day. Many times, this feels like too few. This is why it’s important to keep a healthy balance between college, sisterhood and self-care. When you invest in college you will get the most out of your experience. When you invest in sisterhood you will build connections that last a lifetime and learn valuable life skills. When you invest in self-care you will look your best and feel your best. Keep balance in mind and live your best life!