Matt Catrambone

Developing a Work-Life Balance

What's up!  I can't believe I'm already moving into my third week of classes at Dartmouth. I've been settling in more and more each week, locating some go-to study spots and coffee shops and calculating the exact time it takes to get to each class from my dorm near the Connecticut River. One thing I'm still trying to master, though, is a work-life balance that prioritizes my academics, social life, and most importantly, my mental health. In light of recent events at Dartmouth, I've realized now more than ever before how necessary it is to put yourself first. So, I'm going to share how I'm working towards this balance.

Hammocking with friends in Pine Park!

My first tip is to simply try things to better understand what environment works best for you. In high school, I did most of my work at home, so I didn't know what is best for me in terms of how and with whom I worked. After spending time in the library, cafés, and my room, I've found that when I have assignments with definitive tasks (like a problem set) I work best in groups, but if I have some reading, I'll head up to 3FB (3rd Floor Berry) which is a quiet spot in the library with a pretty view of the northern part of campus. And sometimes, if I need motivation, I'll work alongside friends or leave my phone at the bottom of my backpack.

At the same time, though, I've found that when I can't focus anymore, I need to listen to my body and take a break. Acknowledging these cues is important for your mental health and allows you to reset in whatever way works for you. I've been trying a lot of different things: running in Pine Park with my favorite playlist, going on a walk to a dining hall or café, working out at the Alumni gym, or hanging out with friends outside. Then, when I get back to my assignments, I'm more focused and efficient which allows me to use my day for things other than schoolwork.

I'll end with a few final types that may help alleviate stress. For organization, I recommend keeping a calendar that includes all of your assignments, extracurricular activities, and (possibly) time-blocking which allows you to section off certain hours in the day for certain tasks, like studying or napping. This way, you can finish your assignments during the day or block them out for following days, so you don't have to worry about them when you are spending time with friends. I've also found it useful to find good study groups for your different classes, so you can have people to keep you company.

It's important to note, though, that everyone has their own routine and different habits. Overall, Dartmouth has a great set of resources to take advantage of such as teaching fellows in classes who can help with study habits, meditation and wellness events, and counseling at the Student Wellness Center. The Dartmouth community is always here for you!