Most students at my school, Green Hills Academy, play a sport and we have many games including football, basketball, volleyball, and badminton. A good number of students are on the school team. Some of these students are in their final year of high school, a stressful time with the pressures of applying to colleges, keeping their grades up, and still pursuing their passion for sports. ALSO READ: Ministry official urges students to balance sports with academic excellence Balancing academic work and sporting activities poses challenges for student-athletes when it comes to things like time management, social life, fatigue, and mental health. ALSO READ: Over 500 young athletes hone skills through Isonga camp Considering this situation, I explored some tips and strategies for balancing academics and athletics. I talked to some basketball players at school, just to understand how they manage. And I’ll share some of the most helpful tools, or tips, for maintaining a balanced athletic and academic lifestyle. Start strong: Embrace the habit of sleeping early Improving and enhancing your energy levels is important, both for class and during sporting activities. Athletes can get a good start on their day by waking up early and getting enough sleep by going to bed early. ALSO READ: Isonga Project is here to stay, says official Getting enough sleep is crucial. It helps avoid burning out too quickly, and athletes sleep early and rest well are more resilient because enough sleep or rest helps them focus better. It keeps your mind active both during practice and competition. Rest is also crucial for children because it promotes resilience, mental focus, and enhanced concentration. Stay on track: Crafting your timetable and habits “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment,” according to Jim Rohn, an American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker. You should have the self-discipline necessary to stay focused, get over distractions, and accomplish long-term objectives as a student-athlete. Self-discipline will allow you to make a schedule that works for you and help you develop habits that you will stick with throughout your journey. Embrace your strengths, understand your weaknesses By embracing your strengths, you can reach your full potential or perform at your best in sports and academics. Setting attainable goals that complement your abilities is made easier when you are aware of your shortcomings. By being aware of your shortcomings, you may avoid burnout and know when to put your improvement or academic support first. It keeps you from overcommitting and helps you keep a healthier balance. Commit to consistency The secret to success is consistency. You can't complete everything you start if you're inconsistent since you'll keep starting things but never finish them. Maintaining a consistent lifestyle is essential for your academic and athletic pursuits. You must regularly get up early and work out if you want to be a good, or better, athlete. You cannot pursue an athletic career without it. You must study consistently if you want to maintain good grades. When you decide to do anything, stay focused. Finally, as you work to balance your sporting activities and academics, you must always remember that it is important not to overwork because that will lead to exhaustion. It is okay to work hard and achieve the goals we set for ourselves. But a good balance is equally rewarding and we need to know how to do it right. Our teachers and sports coaches can also help when we need advice. The author is a student at Green Hills Academy
