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Finding Life Balance Between School & Work: The Art of Journaling



Do you ever find yourself struggling to manage stress or express your thoughts and feelings? If so, you're not alone. Many of us have developed our own coping mechanisms to deal with stress, such as exercising, socializing, or engaging in creative activities. However, one of the most accessible and effective ways to manage stress and improve overall well-being is through the practice of journaling.


The Art of Journaling event held on April 12th was an inspiring and thought-provoking experience for all attendees. The event explored the power of journaling as a tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and creative expression.


Journaling, or the practice of recording one's thoughts, feelings, experiences, and events in private, is a powerful tool for self-reflection, expression, and personal growth. By taking the time to reflect on our thoughts and emotions, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our experiences. This self-awareness can help us make better decisions, improve our relationships with others, and develop a more positive outlook on life.


Overall, The Art of Journaling was a captivating and engaging event that left attendees feeling motivated and empowered to continue their own journaling journeys. Whether you're a seasoned journaling pro or just starting out, this event was a must-attend for anyone interested in exploring the transformative power of journaling.



The Ownership Effect in Journaling: Harnessing the Power of Self-Reflection and Personal Growth


The ownership effect can play an important role in journaling. When we write down our thoughts and experiences in a journal, we are creating a personal record that we can revisit and reflect on. Over time, we may develop a sense of ownership over our journal and the insights we have gained from it. This ownership can help us value our journaling practice more highly, leading to a greater commitment to the process and a stronger connection to our own thoughts and feelings. Additionally, the act of journaling can help us better understand our own values and priorities, which can in turn influence our perceptions of ownership in other areas of our lives. By recognizing the ownership effect and how it applies to journaling, we can harness its power to promote self-reflection, personal growth, and a deeper sense of connection to ourselves.



How Student-Athletes Manage Prioritizing Education and Sports: Insights and Strategies with the U of C Dinos


Bea Gan:

What are your preferences when it comes to school, and how do you manage to prioritize both basketball and academics simultaneously?


Martynas Sabaliauskas:

Ever since I was young, my parents emphasized the idea that basketball is not a lifelong career. Therefore, they stressed the importance of prioritizing education as a safety net in case anything unforeseen happens in life. It's crucial to balance both aspects and allocate sufficient time towards school and basketball, and even other commitments. Planning your schedule to ensure you have ample time for studying, practicing, and personal time is key to prioritizing your education while pursuing your basketball passion.


Manyang Tong:

Expanding on what Spencer mentioned earlier, having a schedule is crucial because trying to figure things out day by day is not an effective approach. It often leads to disorganization and chaos. Therefore, breaking down tasks and assigning them to specific times will be beneficial in managing your workload efficiently.



Bea Gan:

What are some challenges that you guys are facing as student-athletes in your day-to-day?


Spencer Roberts:

It is common to stay up late due to various activities such as basketball and other commitments outside of school. However, it is crucial to prioritize tasks and assignments that are due the next day. This can be challenging, but it is a full-time commitment if you want to secure your future. Once you have completed your important work, you can engage in leisure activities such as spending time with friends. However, the challenges of long days and lack of sleep and nutrition can affect physical and mental health. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize taking care of your body and mental health. It is also important to account for unexpected events such as car breakdowns or personal emergencies. Financial challenges can also arise, and while scholarships can help, there are still other expenses to consider.



Bea Gan:

What strategies or tools do you use to promote mental well-being for student-athletes? For example, we discussed journaling earlier, but do you use any other tools such as meditation to help maintain your sanity in your daily life?


Spencer Roberts

Personally, I try to maintain a positive outlook and see the glass as half full. I believe in not going to bed angry at myself, so I listen to positive music to uplift my mood. This is one of the ways I try to avoid going to bed upset.


Martynas Sabaliauskas

Personally, I find it challenging to stay connected with friends and family back home, especially through phone calls and texting, since I am on the other side of the world. Despite being surrounded by great people and friends, I sometimes feel alone, like I am on an island. Therefore, it is really important for me to talk to my parents and share my hardships with them, as they offer me tips and support that help me a lot. Additionally, engaging in leisure activities is crucial for preventing burnout and boosting happiness throughout the day. I recommend finding activities that make you happy and incorporating them into your routine from time to time.


Manyang Tong

Honestly, for me, last week I started doing journal entries, and I think it has really helped me. Additionally, I plan to start doing daily journal entries because previously, I only wrote down my thoughts sporadically, including school, basketball, and relationship issues. I believe journaling is beneficial in various ways.


In conclusion, student-athletes face unique challenges in balancing their academic and athletic commitments while also prioritizing their mental and physical well-being. Strategies such as creating schedules, prioritizing tasks, and engaging in leisure activities can help manage workload efficiently. Additionally, maintaining a positive outlook, staying connected with loved ones, and journaling are effective tools for promoting mental well-being. With the right balance, planning, and support, student-athletes can successfully navigate the challenges and excel



The Benefits and Challenges of Being a Student-Athlete: Insights from U of C Dinos Conclusion:


The life of a student-athlete can be challenging, as balancing academic and athletic commitments can be demanding. However, insights from U of C Dinos show that there are strategies and tools that can help manage stress and promote overall well-being. Prioritizing education as a safety net, creating a schedule, and finding leisure activities that make one happy can all help in maintaining a positive outlook. Additionally, journaling and maintaining connections with family and friends can be beneficial in promoting mental well-being. While the life of a student-athlete may present unique challenges, these strategies can help in overcoming them and thriving in both academics and athletics.


 

For the Love of Youth (FLY) services are free and funded by the Government of Canada's Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP).

FLY is committed to providing high-quality support to students, families, and educators who need it most. Our team is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and grow.

Learn more about the For the Love of Youth (FLY) Project.


Phone:403-457-8832

Email: getconnected@theexpertcollective.ca

Instagram: @for.theloveofyouth




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