Career Development Plan - Balancing Dance and Academics Tips

Career Development Plan - Balancing Dance and Academics Tips

Odette,

I have already sent you query a few days ago, so I hope you don't mind me asking another one on top of the previous query. I was just hoping you could help me, and I understand you have so many other letters to answer to.
Basically I do a writers group on a monday, dance on a tuesday, ballet on wednesday, dance on thursday and nothing on friday, along with Year 11 (UK - final year of compulsory secondary school education, so there's lots of exams this year) academics. Have you by any chance got any good tips that will help me balance everything and make sure I don't get too stressed or worried!

Orla x

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Reply by Odette
To: - Career Development Plan - Balancing Dance and Academics Tips

Hi Orla,
Thank you for your message, you know how much I love to keep in touch and hear how you're getting on. I remember many times when I had a very busy schedule too and sometimes it feels very hard to keep on top of everything, as well as find some time to relax too.

Firstly, I would say to do one thing at a time. Especially when you have lots to get done, it's easy to over-stress yourself by trying to do it all at once. For me, I can get stressed by even thinking how much I need to do! So, to calm your mind, always write a check list of what you need to do and prioritise which is the most important.

Also, make good use of all the time you have. Of course, you absolutely need to give yourself a break to relax and spend time with your family, but you can get a lot done in the spare time you have at weekends too. I remember on sundays when my friends were watching tv and spending all day on the sofas, I would be in my room getting all my homework done. Maybe I didn't have as much fun as them, but it sure did feel good when I'd finished all my school work and they hadn't even started it yet!

Even if it just a few minutes spent sitting down and reflecting on your dance classes. Or going to bed slightly earlier to write down any thoughts you have from the day, you can find the time if you really want to.

All in all, my best tip is try to enjoy each thing you do. Even if it is a lot to keep up with, just take it day by day and live in the moment. When you look too far ahead at what you have coming up, it can feel overwhelming and stressful before you've even done it! So, set yourself up with a positive mind frame and enjoy. It might feel hard to enjoy school work, but if you're organised enough and get it done on time it won't feel like a chore at all.

Hope that helps!

Best wishes,
Odette