work-life balance: Meghan Paul
Hiiii, I am Meghan, and I am currently a junior at Miami University. My major is Biology with a co-major of Pre-medical Studies and a minor in General Business. I am this year’s Bid Day chair, and I am currently in charge of AXID’s TikTok! I am also a member of Best Buddies, Pre-Optometry club, and Pancakes for Parkinson’s. I can confidently say that AXID has connected me to the sweetest, most genuine group of girls and I am so happy I can call them my sisters!
Having a work-life balance is quite literally the only thing keeping me sane. Over the years, I have picked up numerous responsibilities regarding leadership positions, my major, extracurriculars, personal life, and in my social life. In the past, I was easily overwhelmed by the amount of plans I had in one day or even the upcoming deadlines in the weeks ahead. Then, I would probably end up procrastinating and I would be in a position where I cannot put my all into what I was supposed to do.
Last year, I realized the importance of a work-life balance when I had to deal with several health issues that impacted my schedule. Today, I have a self-care night once a week with my housemates, a planner (on my phone, laptop, and an actual book) filled in with all my deadlines, and an amazing support system. My self-care nights usually consist of a face and hair mask, a good movie, and no phones for two hours. Obviously, my planner keeps me organized and on top of my schedule, but it also ensures that I won’t be overwhelmed. By breaking up a large task over several days allows me to put my all into smaller, more attainable goals. Once a week, I take 15 minutes to write out my week in my planner.
My support system consists of my AXID sisters, my hometown friends, and my family. I take the time every few days to call my best friend travelling abroad this semester, my parents, and my brother. Not only do we just catch up on each other’s lives, but we give each other advice and motivation to tackle our goals. Without their support, I don’t think I would be this close to reaching my goals. Having someone consistently cheering and having confidence in my abilities, even when I don’t, have made all the difference. It took a lot of time and work to find and create my support system at college. The only way to do this is to keep putting yourself out there—go to events, club meetings, class, and to social events.
My advice to you is to put yourself out there, even when you are uncomfortable. My best friend and I have continuously done this over the years, and we have only met more people and gained more impactful experiences. Also, having a breakdown or a setback does not mean you failed in any way. If anything, it is a learning experience where in the future you can do better.
