When it comes to college, students surely know how to keep themselves busy, especially those in extracurricular activities. Whether it is the performing arts or a sport, students on Northwestern’s campus are constantly doing one thing or another. From football and soccer to softball and baseball, all of NW’s athletes must find a balance between their work and play.
“Honestly, it is a trial-and-error process,” said senior Janaya Battles.“Obviously, when you are at practice you prioritize your sport, but when you have time to do school, you do school.” Balancing between school and sports is hard enough, but when you add in the daily stressors of life and being social, it gets even tougher.
“You have to prioritize rest and sleep as well as you can,” Battles said, “If you do not prioritize that, both your sport and academics will suffer.” According to a study done by the Sleep Foundation, around 42% of college athletes get poor sleep when compared to students who are not in sports. Most athletes need approximately 10 hours of sleep a night to properly function both on the court and at a desk, however, as college life usually permits, this minimum is not often met.
On top of these statistics, Battles also offered advice to students who are struggling with the balance. “If you turn your phone on do not disturb or find a quiet, non-distracting place to study, you will manage, but it will take time to find your rhythm.” Phones and social lives tend to play a role in how well students can focus. By eliminating distractions, is more secure space to think clearly.
Whether that be the next big win or a great grade on a final exam, there are small things every athlete can look for in their daily lives. As Battles says, “The most important thing is to remember that you are human, so you are going to struggle, but that is okay!”
