When starting off your day at 7:21 a.m, a 6-hour and 42-minute school day can seem exhausting. On top of academics, more than  half of the Milford students participate in spring sports. Sports practices can extend one’s school day by 2-3 hours and games and competitions can often be all-day events. This does not account for other extracurriculars or work commitments a student has to balance. While the skill of managing all of these activities may come easy for some, it comes as a challenge to many.

Previous athletes and those with jobs may just have the trick to help you with balancing these activities.

1. Manage your time

Junior Meggie Martin, who is on the varsity track team, said, “time management is key; know how to use your time wisely, and don’t procrastinate.” Procrastination is a worldwide struggle. “Estimates indicate that 80 to 95 percent of students engage in procrastination, approximately 75 percent consider themselves procrastinators, and almost 50 percent procrastinate consistently and problematically,” according to business professor Piers Steel in a 2007 study. So you are not alone. Many struggle with the same issues as you.  Some ways that you can reduce procrastination and make it a habit are as follows: Get organized, limit distractions, prioritize, set goals and deadlines, take a break, reward yourself and hold yourself and only you accountable.

2. Stay healthy

Senior Delaney Muncy, who is on the varsity softball team, said that athletes, “drink lots of water [to] help you stay energized.” Water has many health and mental benefits. Some of the benefits include that it carries vital nutrients and oxygen to your cells, flushing unnecessary bacteria from your bladder, aids digestion, prevents constipation, and normalizes blood pressure among other things. Although drinking water has many benefits, you have to make sure you are drinking the right amount. In general, teens should be drinking around six to eight cups of water per day to get the full nutritional benefits, on top of balancing their diet with fruits, vegetables, and healthy sources of proteins.

3. Ask for help

Junior Brooke Koshkarian, who is on the varsity tennis team, said,  “if you are struggling in school or falling behind, talk to your teachers and ask them for help.” The teachers understand some of the stress that students face, and they might be able to offer suggestions to help you with material or even extend deadlines. Sometimes asking for help is just the thing that can help the situation. Everyone falls behind at some point; just make sure you get yourself back on track as quickly as possible by getting a schedule together and sticking with it.

4. Plan out your day

Junior Katelyn Rambo, who is on the varsity girls lacrosse team, suggested that you, “know what you’re doing throughout the day so that you can take time out before or after practice to finish things such as homework, chores, and other responsibilities.” Getting started is the hardest part, so you may have to do some experimenting to find what works for you. Some people may use apps or a planner to set their schedule for the day and keep track of what they need to do. But the most important thing is to stick with it. This can efficiently help you stay not only organized, but also can be a good source of motivation to get things done. Once you make a habit out of your planning and schedule, students will find more balance.

5. Prioritize your school work

Jacob Hait, who is on the varsity baseball team, said that you should, “prioritize your homework always.” By making homework your priority, you are only helping yourself for the future. Some may need to miss a practice or talk to their coach and make arrangements. Although sports are crucial toward one’s happiness and physical and mental health, school and homework should always be a larger priority. One thing that also may come from prioritizing homework is the elimination of some of the stress weighing on you. When you get home from school, if your practice is later, do as much homework as you can before you have to leave for practice. If you know you will be home late that night, use your time wisely in class to get as much work done as you can.

Participating in extracurriculars can be one of the most exciting high school experiences for a student. By following some of these suggestions, you can find a successful balance between school and sports.