College students today are under pressure at nearly all times, from several different sources. We are expected to be leaders, meet our many deadlines, form and strengthen relationships with others and begin creating our pathways through adulthood so that we can find success in life. Of course, these are all goals that improve oneself and should increase personal satisfaction with one’s life as the accomplishments pay off in desirable work opportunities, strong bonds with others or maybe even acceptance into graduate school. Although none of these objectives should be neglected, I’m a firm believer that college students should value free time and enjoyable hobbies just as much as goal-oriented accomplishments.

The value of personal time has been on my mind often this semester, as I’ve had to learn how to navigate life while taking seven classes. Taking on a double major last semester has forced me to adapt to a much tighter schedule than I had gotten used to throughout my first two years at Iona. I’ve also just accepted a new job on campus, while also being an active member of several student clubs and organizations. Needless to say, I look forward to any free time I can manage to get.

My mantra for my first two years of college was “never do work past 8 p.m.” As a massive fan of television, I refused to give up my favorite pastime for work I could complete during the day with proper time management skills. While my obsession with TV still prevents me from being anywhere other than in front of my TV Sunday through Thursday nights, I’ve had to start doing some work while watching, whether it be reading a chapter of a textbook or finishing up a writing assignment.

This is really only a minor inconvenience for me, but I know many students who are so burdened by balancing homework and employment that they go entire days without really being able to just relax and do something that they love.

The truth is, the pressures of college life should not be more important than one’s mental health and day-to-day satisfaction. Do not let the expectations of others infringe on your right to participate in hobbies that bring you joy. The weekends should not be the only time in the week that you have to decompress and do things that you enjoy.

For those students who already feel content with their schedule and find time daily to have fun, be sure to appreciate the free time that you have and know that maintaining that type of schedule is more important to your happiness than packing your time with commitments in an effort to meet the myriad expectations that our society has of us.

For those students who are grinding away at work every day of the week, consider these tips as a way of achieving a more enjoyable, manageable semester.

First, set aside at least one hour a day at a consistent time for relaxing to a favorite activity. Whether it be listening to music, getting caught up on a show or reading a book, do not sacrifice this daily reprieve.

Second, set small goals while working on assignments. Instead of attempting an entire paper in one sitting, setting a goal of completing one page a day allows for daily gratification and decreases the likelihood of being overwhelmed.

Finally, don’t neglect your friends in favor of getting work done. Although this may be required at times, don’t forget that your friends are there for you when you need them.

By following these steps – plus some cathartic complaining – I have been able to still enjoy my semester and stay mostly positive while taking on more work.