When was the last time you played soccer, rode a horse, or played a musical instrument? As we move out of our parents’ home and begin our studies, childhood hobbies are often left behind. Sometimes it might be part of personal growth and development. However, more often there simply is not enough time to pursue recreational activities alongside attending classes. Our study-life balance is of centre.

This raises a question we have surely all asked ourselves before: How should students balance their time spent studying with their need for free time?

Why Study-Life Balance Matters

You might have heard of the term “work-life balance”, but this concept also applies to students. Without fixed working hours, we must be even more mindful of maintaining a steady balance.

According to the University Health Report of January 2021 from Freie Universität (FU) Berlin, research indicates that a stable study-life balance is crucial for recovery and long-term health. In fact, it is an important predictor of mental health too: A poor balance not only affects stress levels, but increases anxiety and depressive symptoms among students.

So, how can we achieve this elusive balance? The FU Berlin suggests that “good time management and self-reflection can help maintain a balance between study and private life”. A tool that might help you with that is the so-called spoon theory. It visualizes a persons daily capacity of energy and how to distribute it most effectively. Read more in the article “Student’s Mental Health: A Look at the Spoon Theory“.

Get Inspired: Hobbies from Fellow Students

  • CrossFit “It is a great combination of bodyweight training and weightlifting, that’s why I started doing CrossFit about two years ago. It also isn’t just challenging for the body but for the mind as well.” – Melina Veith
  • Drawing “I started drawing simply because it is fun. Now, 18 years later, I still enjoy it because it relaxes me. I forget the time when I’m drawing, and it feels like I’m in another world.” – Magdalena Daubitz
  • Table Tennis “I started because I didn’t only want to train my physique but also my reflexes. Table tennis is a fast game where you must use the right technique, but also react and think fast to always be ahead of your opponent.” – FH student

Ready for the Challenge?

Now let us get specific. If you are struggling with your study-life-balance and constantly feel overwhelmed by assignments and tests, this is for you.

I challenge you to set aside an hour each week to either revisit one of your childhood hobbies or explore something new. 

This time is meant for you to step away from your academic responsibilities and recharge through an activity that brings you joy. So, what hobby will you choose? Take on the challenge today and start finding that balance.