When it comes to activities, some students try to do it all. Is there someone in your school who plays three sports; belongs to four clubs and holds officer positions in all of them; volunteers at the local animal shelter, nursing home and hospital; and maintains straight A's? Is it you? At this stage in your life, you're probably enjoying exploring your interests and trying out many different activities. You may also think that taking on as many activities as possible will impress colleges. It's true that overachievers have a lot of things to put on their résumé. But they also pay a price for their packed schedules. The truth is that when it comes to activities and school, it's best to maintain a good balance. Don't try to do everything. Make a carefully considered decision about what to commit your time to. Quality, not quantity, is what matters - not only to your well-being, but also to college admission officers. The benefits of balance 1. You can focus on your passion It's wonderful to discover a personal interest or talent that you care about and can get deeply involved in. That's hard to do if you spread yourself too thin. You should be genuinely enjoying the activities you choose, not just checking them off a list. 2. It's better for your physical health Trying to do too much could mean taking shortcuts when it comes to your health. Overachievers may not get enough sleep or take the time to eat balanced meals. Remember that you do your best when you're rested and well-nourished. 3. It's better for your mental health Taking on too many activities is a known cause of teenage stress. Expecting too much of yourself can make you feel anxious. If you're feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself whether you've taken on too much. 4. It might help you get into college Most colleges say that they are looking for well-rounded students. In other words, they want applicants who keep their academic pursuits, extracurricular activities and personal lives in a sensible balance. When admission officers review your résumé, they're looking for evidence of leadership, commitment and integrity. Again, these are shown by the quality, not the quantity, of your involvements. How to achieve balance 1. Do what you enjoy Make a list of your commitments. Then rank them by how much you enjoy each one. Cross out the activities that give you little or no pleasure, and keep those that you're really interested in. Don't be afraid to cut something out or to say no if you're being pressured to stay involved. In the end, you'll be a happier person. 2. Schedule time to relax If you never have a minute to rest or have fun, you're doing too much. Take a look at your calendar and carve out time to take it easy. All work and no play just stresses you out. 3. Take care of yourself Make sure that you eat healthy foods and that you get enough sleep each night. Also, remember that exercise is a necessity to keep both body and mind strong. | 