Finding Balance: How YAB Members Stay Calm Through Busy Schedules
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is composed of talented, hardworking, and multifaceted students from across the state of Virginia. YAB members are actively engaged in rigorous school schedules, competitive sports teams, community-oriented jobs, interdisciplinary clubs, and for our seniors, stressful college applications. And while their skills, interests, and discipline enable the YAB’s transformative environment to take shape, they also create a necessity for balance. At our opening meeting of the 2026-2027 cohort, many members shared how they’re nervous about balancing the responsibilities of the board with their other commitments. So, today, we’re offering a few tips for how to manage your time to the fullest and mitigate your stress.
Tip #1: Use a Planner. If you let your brain spiral through all the various tasks, events, and goals of the week, it can be very overwhelming. I’m no stranger to lying awake at night, going through all of the homework assignments, sports practices, and household chores that need to be done. However, when you sit down and map out a weekly schedule, it becomes significantly more manageable. Instead of stressing over the whole week, you’re able to give yourself three jobs for that day. Suddenly, you’re making progress, avoiding the anxiety, and realizing you have more time than you anticipate.
Tip #2: Prioritize Time for Yourself. It’s easy to get so caught up in the to-do list that you lose balance and focus on yourself. Remember, humans aren’t made to be computers. Regardless of what pressing work you may have, dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to something you love. Maybe you go for a run and release some dopamine. Maybe you put on your favorite album and sing in the kitchen while making dinner. Maybe you meet up with your friend to get ice cream. Whatever it looks like for you, remember that we only live once and those moments matter much more than whatever assignment is sitting on your desk. And, when it is time to sit down and do the work, you’ll find yourself being drastically more productive and clear-headed.
Tip #3: Breathe. Personally, when I feel stressed, I often end up tense, suffering a migraine, and overall exhausted. Societally, one thing we can overlook is how the job doesn’t just require brain power, but also physical endurance. Our whole bodies feel the burden of the commitments we make. So, the next time you feel anxious or overwhelmed, lie down. Stretch it out. Take deep breaths and feel yourself return to center. It’s impossible to be productive if you’re doing so at the expense of your body.
We hope you find this advice helpful as we look forward to the upcoming year. Let us know if you have any other tips we should try out!