Student Blog: Leave Time for Me!

I've talked a little bit about all of my responsibilities and workload throughout my time here in college. I have two jobs on top of my extensive amount of classes as a musical theatre major plus my other academic classes. I also just wrapped up being an assistant stage manager for our production of Cinderella. Trying to balance everything is a lot to juggle, especially because it's important to prioritize yourself. But I think that because I prioritize myself, managing my time and my workload is much for manageable. Here are some tips to make sure you can balance and prioritize yourself through your day to day life.

If you're new to my blogs, my jobs include being the social media ambassador for my university and a princess performer. Both of these jobs require a lot of effort, which I'll admit is sometimes hard to maneuver. But I really do think it is important to find things you enjoy outside of Musical Theater. Our career can often consume a lot of mental and physical energy, and ways to relieve some of that tension is looking for other places that fulfill your life. I've found a lot of interests in my digital marketing minor and also have found some good people (that aren't in the theater scene) that have really helped me grow into the person I am today. Definitely exposing yourself to the campus and people outside of your major can help you feel more fulfilled.

I also think that being outside and in nature is really important. Of course someone from Colorado would mention this, but whether you're in a big city or small town, I believe it helps to get some fresh air every once and a while. Some of my theater classmates and I will often go on hikes together, and I can confidently say this is some of the best ways our relationships have grown. Trying to maintain all of your work can seem claustrophobic, so being in an open space will definitely ease that feeling.

Something that is a helpful reminder to me is what you're at school to do. We're all doing this because it's what we love right? We're here because it's what we want, and all the work we are doing in our classes is to help our career and our chosen path in the future. If it's starting to feel like too much, just remember that we love what we do. Even if its hard, and even if it's overbearing at times, its work we want and we need.

Most importantly, you need to prioritize yourself. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you're getting overwhelmed, do something to ease the stress. Hangout with your friends, have a movie night, cook yourself some dinner. The smallest things really do make the largest impact. Keep track of how you're feeling and do what's best for you!

Even though school can entail a lot of work, there are always ways for you to manage your load and your time. Whether the tricks that I use help, or you have found others that work for you, make sure you take care of yourself. Finding effective ways to balance your lifestyle can help you now, and help even more in the future.

Photo Credit to the University of Northern Colorado