Dear Overworked Students,
There comes a time in all of our lives where we realize that our society is shaping us to be workaholics. Multi-tasking is not only encouraged, but expected. Busyness is esteemed. Resumes appear flat without quantity and variety. And enjoying frequent rests is labeled as laziness.
It is no wonder we feel stress levels that deteriorate our health as we frantically rush from activity to activity. However, this attitude may very well be a result of the expanding opportunities made available to us, which can be a positive thing.
Although I am guilty of having a busy lifestyle myself, I am a passionate advocate of slowing down and making sure you do not waste your life on an overabundance of pointless activities. There is a difference between just staying busy out of obligation and staying busy because you are filling your time with activities that actually enrich your life.
College is unique in that it offers many great opportunities for students to further themselves all in one place. You already have access to many resources; you might as well take advantage of them during your time on campus. Utilize the facilities, seek guidance from faculty, attend events put on by student organizations, join a club that shares your interests, join a program that lets you travel and network with the large and diverse community surrounding you.
If part of the money you use to pay for school is already being spent to run a recreation center, go ahead and climb the bouldering wall instead of sitting in front of the TV in your dorm room.
It is not so much how much of your time you fill, but the lasting quality of the things you fill it with. Recognize what activities will mean the most to you in the future. Dare to invest in things that excite you, that energize you, that are worth your time, and watch your busy life take on a drastically different tone.
God gave us time on this world to use for His glory, and He opened up a large array of opportunities for us to utilize. Do not live your life to impress others, but welcome an attitude of humility. Others will not remember you for how many clubs you were president of if you are only doing it for recognition.
But if you accept God’s guidance and find yourself involved in something that you are not only passionate about but excited to learn from, you will emerge from the experience with so much knowledge and so much drive that you will radiate God’s glory through the effective use of the talents He has blessed you with. Take a day off to focus on God and fast from busyness; I can guarantee it will not be wasted.
