Juggling Act
Published on: April 25, 2023
April 25, 2023 — Hey there, student-athletes! We know the struggle is real when it comes to balancing your sports commitments, academics and an undying love for the Kansas City Chiefs. But fear not, we’ve got you covered with some handy tips to help you rock that juggling act at Park University — where higher education meets Chiefs fandom!
15 Ways to Balance Life as a Student-Athlete
1. Avoid Procrastination
Procrastination is like a sneaky defender trying to steal the ball from you. Don’t let it win! Stay on top of your assignments and study to avoid last-minute panic attacks. Trust us, cramming for an exam while doing a touchdown dance is not a good look.
2. Develop Study Tools and Methods
You know the saying “work smarter, not harder.” Find study tools and methods that make learning fun and effective for you. Whether it’s using Chiefs-themed flashcards or turning your notes into a catchy tune, get creative and make studying a game-winning strategy!
3. Take Advantage of Downtime
Got some downtime between practices or games? Don’t waste it scrolling through social media. Instead, use it to tackle your homework. Just imagine yourself as Patrick Mahomes, slinging assignments like touchdown passes!
4. Prioritize Sleep
We know it’s tempting to binge-watch Chiefs highlights late into the night, but sleep is your MVP when it comes to academic and athletic performance. Make sure to get those Zs and wake up feeling as refreshed as a Chiefs fan after a Super Bowl win.
5. Organize and Plan Ahead
Planning is like the playbook for your student-athlete life. Keep track of your assignments, practices and games using a planner or digital calendar. It’s like having your very own Chiefs game plan, but for acing your classes!
6. Be Open with Teachers and Coaches
Just like how Chiefs players communicate on the field, open up to your teachers and coaches about your hectic schedule. They might be able to help you with accommodations or even join you in cheering for the Chiefs during game days!
7. Don’t Take on too Many Responsibilities
We get it, you’re a multi-talented student-athlete. But don’t spread yourself too thin by taking on too many commitments. Remember, you’re not Andy Reid. So learn to say “no” when you need to and avoid being tackled by overwhelming responsibilities.
8. Utilize Campus Resources
Just like how Chiefs players rely on their teammates, make use of the resources available on campus to up your academic game. Whether it’s tutoring services or study groups, take advantage of them to score those A+ grades and touchdown passes!
9. Learn from Failures
Just like how Chiefs players learn from their losses, embrace your failures as opportunities to grow. Don’t let a bad grade or a missed goal get you down. Get back up, brush it off and come back stronger, just like the Chiefs after a tough loss.
10. Track Goals
Set goals for yourself, both academically and athletically, and keep track of your progress. Celebrate small victories along the way, just like the Chiefs celebrate every touchdown. Remember, you’re the MVP of your own game, so keep pushing yourself to score those goals!
11. Find a Study Buddy
Just like Chiefs players have each other’s back on the field, find a study buddy who shares your academic goals. You can quiz each other, motivate each other and even have Chiefs-themed study sessions. It’s like having your very own Chiefs-inspired study squad!
12. Write Down Questions ASAP
Don’t let doubts linger in your mind like a fumble waiting to happen. If you have questions or need clarification on assignments, write it down right away so you remember to seek help from your professors.
13. Practice Time Management
This is crucial, especially during the football season. You need to make sure you have enough time for everything, from practice to homework to sleeping. It’s like Andy Reid said, “Time management is key, just like clock management in the fourth quarter.”
14. Remember that You are Doing Your Best!
Don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake or miss a play. Just keep pushing forward and give it your all. Channel your inner Patrick Mahomes, trust the process and keep slinging that pigskin!
15. Last but not Least — Stay Hydrated!
This one is easy. Just remember to drink plenty of water. Listen to Travis Kelce, “Hydrate or die-drate, baby!” Add some electrolytes if that’s your jam.
Excel in School and Sports at Park
At Park University, student-athletes are an integral part of the campus community. We understand the importance of balancing academics and athletics, and Park provides resources to help student-athletes succeed both on and off the field, court, track or pitch. Explore our majors and programs at our flagship campus in Parkville, Mo., online or any of our other campuses across the country — we even have a degree in sport and exercise science if you want to make your passion your career! Request more information from Park University today to see how we can support you as a student-athlete.