Maintain Your Brain
The CWIB Chronicles is a resource that helps to empower, prepare, and connect our readers so that they are as ready for the professional world as possible, upon graduation. With this responsibility, we have tailored countless articles discussing a wide range of business-related topics such as networking, interviewing, even what to put in your work bag. However, we know that college students are a lot more than just future business leaders. They are friends, service volunteers, sports fans, animal lovers, work out fanatics, adventurers, etc. We each have qualities that make us incredibly unique and it is important that we express ourselves, even when preparing for our future careers.
Although CWIB’s main goal is to prepare college students for careers in business, we also encourage members to seek out their passions. Photo credit: Collegiate Women in Business
College is obviously an incredibly hectic time in our lives. With homework, projects, presentations, and exams at every turn, it seems almost trivial to take time out of your day to simply do something that you enjoy. Nonetheless, actually taking time for yourself can help to reduce your stress and clear your mind so that your schoolwork does not consume you. Something I usually do to clear my head do a quick workout. Not only does this help to keep me physically in shape, but working out also releases endorphins in your brain which can create a positive sensation in your body. Now, we are not saying that you should go to the movies with your friends when you have two exams the next day. We are simply saying that life is about balance, and you should make time for the things you enjoy while also keeping your commitments in check.
CWIB plans fun events for members to destress from schoolwork like this Trivia Night with Seed and Basis last year. Stay tuned for more socials this semester! Photo credit: Collegiate Women in Business
One of the worst things a college student can do is not live a balanced life, the obvious reason being that your mental health could suffer. According to the American Psychological Association, 61% of college students who are seeking counseling made reports of anxiety. Depression and stress are other factors that college students cite as a trigger for counseling. Many students fear doing anything other than work throughout their four years can deter them from getting a job. What if I told you that is not the case? Employers see resume after resume and interview several candidates at a time; it is now more important than ever for students to share what is unique about them so that they stand out. Who knows, you and a potential interviewer may have a similar passion you can discuss before easing into the actual interview. Whether you have a unique hobby, volunteer on certain days of the week, or just simply have something you are passionate about, this can only help you achieve your professional dreams.
There are ample opportunities to seek out new experiences and find your interests with CWIB. For example, this image was taken at our fall trek in New York. Photo credit: Collegiate Women in Business
Sustaining a balanced school life is more than just accomplishing everything that you need to throughout the day. It is also about living a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy diet can help to ensure that you have enough energy to make it through the day, without any midday crashes or two-hour naps. Going off of this, everyone knows that you are supposed to get 8 hours of sleep a night, but how many college students can honestly say that they do this? It might be time to make a change. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, pulling all-nighters can actually hurt your GPA. Dr. Kushida, associate professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University Medical Center, states that “There are data that sleep loss leads to learning and memory impairment, as well as decreased attention and vigilance.” If you want to feel physically better and perform better in class, a more improved sleep schedule can be one way to kick start a more balanced lifestyle.
CWIB encourages members to place a focus on their mental health and take out personal time for themselves each day. Photo credit: Collegiate Women in Business
The main point of this article is that we want the readers to see how important valuing your time and energy is. Yes, we enroll in college with the goal of getting a job upon graduation. Your focus should be on your schoolwork and on seeking out experiences that will help you prepare for this endeavor. However, this can always be done in a healthy way, allowing you to make time for little things that make you happy. Again, there is something different and unique about all of us. College students have passions of our own, and we should be able to share them with the world while maintaining our physical and mental health.
