Harmony Within the Sphere - Maintaining Equilibrium Inside and Beyond Its Perimeters
At Princeton University, students often face intense academic pressures and mental health challenges. However, one student, Vidushi Sharma, has found a way to improve her academic performance and work-life balance by setting aside time for hobbies and personal activities.
Vidushi's articles, "How to Select Courses" and "Starting the Semester: How to Stay on Top of Things," were published in "Research-based Courses." Her findings echo those of Virginia Postrel in her Bloomberg piece on Princeton's work culture, suggesting that taking time off and prioritizing personal interests can lead to a more sustainable workload and improved well-being.
In the past, Vidushi spent many nights hanging out with friends while doing homework, but she now recognizes that this was not truly time spent socializing or relaxing. Instead, she found herself feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, stuck in a gray zone of academic work.
Taking a semester away from Princeton helped Vidushi find her balance. She made a conscious effort to do something else when not working, such as going on local hikes, singing with friends, or learning how to rock climb. This fall semester at Princeton has been the most enjoyable for her compared to previous semesters.
Vidushi has also made new friendships and picked up new hobbies such as swing dancing, playing guitar, and longboarding. These activities have not only provided enjoyable breaks from studying but have also sparked unexpected connections and a new perspective on her schoolwork.
Having "pet projects" has put Vidushi's schoolwork into perspective, giving her delightful breaks and fostering a well-rounded personal profile that Princeton values. Engaging in hobbies and extracurricular activities is essential for a balanced life, promoting mental health, preventing burnout, and building time management skills critical to college success.
Princeton’s counseling services recommend considering time off to manage health and achieve stability, highlighting the importance of balance beyond academics. Proper time management—allocating time for study, social, and personal activities—is essential since students’ schedules are largely self-directed in college, unlike high school.
Research also finds that fulfilling pursuits outside work or study lead to better rest and recovery from stress, which supports higher productivity and satisfaction. By setting aside time for hobbies and personal activities, students can enhance their mental health, maintain a sustainable workload, and promote a balanced life, all contributing to improved academic performance and a healthier Princeton experience.
Vidushi is currently typing this post on a train back from a weekend in Vermont, reminding herself to do things that make her happy to enhance her academic life. She has conducted an interview with Emma Kaeser '18 for a separate article on plans after graduation.
In conclusion, finding a balance in and out of Princeton's Orange Bubble is crucial for students' mental health and academic success. Setting aside time for hobbies and personal activities can improve academic performance and work-life balance at Princeton University.
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