BlogWellbeing5 Simple Tips to Finding a Balance In Year 12 To Reduce Stress

5 Simple Tips to Finding a Balance In Year 12 To Reduce Stress

Finding a balance in Year 12 can seem almost impossible! Especially trying to juggle school, extra curricular activities, a social life or maybe even a part-time job!

You’re probably also stressing about it being too much, and you aren’t sure how to handle it. But you’re not alone and finding a balance in Year 12 can be simple!

Ever since the beginning of Year 11, I have been told that;

“The key to a successful life, is a balanced life.”  

I am most definitely not an expert at keeping a balanced life, and I’m guilty of choosing my social life over study more often than not. 

However, as I’m going through Year 12 myself, I’ve tried my best to take you through 5 tips that can help you find a balance in Year 12!

Tip #1: Using a diary or planner
Tip #2: Using free periods
Tip #3: Sleep
Tip #4: Multi-tasking
Tip #5: Learn to say no

Tip #1: Using a Diary or Planner

Fortunately my school provides us with a diary, otherwise I highly recommend getting one!

On the left side of my diary are the days of the week, whilst on the right  hand side is a table where you can fill in homework for each corresponding day.

You can use a diary to not only organise your all your school work, but also your balanced life, it’s a win-win.

Seeing as school should be the top priority you have to estimate how much time it’ll require each week.

I do this by setting out tasks I wish to complete by set dates and how long I think they will each take.

On the right hand side

On the right hand side I rule the table into two columns; one for homework and one for study.

In the study section I pencil in the tasks I want to get done and in brackets the amount of time I think it will take.

Seeing as you can’t really predict how much homework you will get each day I generally allow 1-2 hours!

On the left hand side

On the left hand side, each day I write in the various activities before, after school and on the weekends so I can track what’s coming up!

students-diary-undated

As an alternative if you’re a more visual person and love colour coding things a weekly planner is easier to use and allows you to visibly see how balanced your life is. 

I plot mine out each Sunday night, blocking out the times where I have permanent commitments such as school.

Then, each extra-curricular activity is colour coded. For example blue for sport, red for music, yellow for tutoring etc.

From there, I pencil in the varying study or work I would want to get done each night usually by general subjects, but occasionally specific tasks

That way, once your obligatory commitments and prioritised school work is in, you can fill all the empty places with either social time, sleep, or whatever you prefer.

blank-weekly-planner-template-650x478

Tip #2: Using Free Periods

In year 12 one usually has what school would call ‘study periods’ but us students see as ‘free periods.’ 

This time is important and could save you time outside of school or possibly even free up an afternoon.

My periods are 52 minutes long (dumb I know) and on average I have about 6 a week.

Now, I’m not saying I sit in isolation and work through every single one, especially if my friends are off at the same time.

Although, if I manage to get my homework done during free period, that saves 1-2 hours in the afternoon from study!

I could use these extra hours to balance out other aspects of my life and reduce any added stress.

Tip #3: Sleep

Everyone will tell you that sleep is important, and yes it is. 

I’m sure you’ve been told numerous times about how we need 7-9 hours sleep each night to be at optimum performance. 

We all read it and think ‘pfft that is not achievable,’ which for some, isn’t.

When trying to balance out your life, sleep is a contender that has to be considered!

Not only will it help with your concentration at school, but it’ll also give you energy and keep your immune system up!

Tip #4: Multi-tasking

Multi-tasking is a fine skill, that believe it or not can be used when balancing your life. And there are many ways you can do this!

Friends want to go out to breakfast or lunch? Do it! But seeing as you’re all in the same boat with this whole year 12 thing why not turn it into a cute study date.

Have sports training after school? Head straight to wherever you train extra early and get an extra hour or so of study in! \

Family want to do something? If you’re bring dragged along to outings, then why not take some study notes with you and get someone to test you?

That way it also proves you’ve been doing work and know your stuff.  

Wanting to pick up a casual or part-time job? Check out our guide to writing your first resume here!

Tip #5: Learn to Say No!

You are one person, with only 24 hours a day, sometimes you just have to say no – politely of course.

FOMO is a real thing. But occasionally you have to be picky and know what you do and don’t have to say yes to.

Before agreeing to anything, run a mental check through your to-do list and determine whether it could fit in. Also weigh up the pros and cons of going.

Of course, you can say yes to your friend’s 18th, I mean they’re only turning eighteen once! But maybe say no to lunch after your sports game!

And that rounds off our top 5 tips to maintaining a balance in Year 12! Good luck!

Looking for some extra help with your HSC studies?

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We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at our state of the art campus in Hornsby!

To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today!

Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on Facebook!


Chanelle Hosken is an adventurous sort of person- exploring, hiking and photographing anything she can. When at home she could be found either stress baking or severely procrastination by annoying her poor dog. While being educated at Danebank, Chanelle enjoys Legal Studies and the many sports she regularly throws herself into to satisfy her rather competitive nature.

 

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