How to Balance School, Tuition, and Extracurricular Activities Without Burning Out

Written By Scholarly’s Editorial Minion, Rashini D Selvasegaran

Balancing school, tuition, and extracurricular activities can be challenging, especially our society where academic success is highly valued. Many students feel the pressure to excel in school while also taking on additional commitments like sports, clubs, or volunteer work.

Today we are going to share some tips on how to balance your academics, social life and extracurricular activities without burning out.

1. Set Realistic Goals

When managing multiple commitments, setting realistic, achievable goals can be incredibly beneficial. Start by identifying your priorities—ask yourself what’s most important to you, and where you can afford to ease back. For instance, if school grades are a top priority, set goals that focus on academic performance, then allocate time for extracurriculars that be mentally exhausting for you. Remember that it’s okay to say no to activities if they start to feel overwhelming.

2. Organise Your Schedule in Advance

Use a planner or a digital calendar to mark out your school hours, tuition sessions, and extracurricular activities each week. Coming from a student myself, once your main commitments are in place, the free blocks of time can be used for studies, self-care, or relaxation. However it’s important to keep your schedule adaptable to unexpected changes to avoid being stressed if your plans have changed.

3. Prioritise Quality Over Quantity

In Singapore’s competitive academic environment, it can be tempting to take on as many activities as possible. However, committing to too many things can lead to you being physically and mentally burnout. Aim to focus on activities that genuinely interest you or add value to your life rather than joining several clubs because of social pressure.

4. Practice Self-Care Regularly

Managing school and multiple commitments can quickly become draining without proper self-care. Setting aside even ten minutes for a quick stretching routine, meditation or a break is a great way to keep your mind and body balanced. Try taking short breaks between study sessions to prevent burnout, or engage in hobbies that bring you joy, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.

5. Learn Effective Study Techniques

Mastering efficient study techniques can help reduce the time needed to grasp and retain information, leaving you more time for other activities. Techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and summarising key points can make study sessions more effective, especially if you’re short on time.

6. Seek Support When Needed

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek support. Talk to your parents, teachers, or tutors about your struggles—they may have practical solutions or be able to lighten your workload. For instance, if a particular subject is challenging, ask your tutor to focus on those areas in class. Similarly, if extracurricular activities are becoming too demanding, consider speaking to your coach or instructor about finding a more manageable role. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there’s no shame in asking for help.

Balancing school, tuition, and extracurricular activities in Singapore’s rigorous academic environment can be tough, but it’s achievable with the right approach. By setting realistic goals, staying organised, prioritising quality over quantity, practising self-care, using effective study methods, and seeking support, you can handle these demands without burning out.

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