[Dose of Wisdom] Balancing Self-Care and Excellency

Our actions can either give up consequences or rewards.

We are often taught that achieving academic success is a messy journey. Little did we know, it can depend on our tactics to study.

As students, we sometimes sacrifice our sleep just to do our school duties. It can be a good strategy, especially if we attain a high grade after it. It’s like, even if we cram and still finish our requirements on time is simply incredible.

However, doing it can leave a harmful impact on our health.

According to Dr. Rodolfo Dizon Jr. from Salamat Dok, if we don't get enough sleep, our memory will be cluttered, our energy will be low, our body will ache, and we will struggle to think and concentrate when we wake up.

If those were the early effects, then what can happen if we’ve done it all the time? Dr. Dizon added that depriving ourselves of regular sleep increases our risk of having a stroke and developing cardiac problems.

We have to remind ourselves that our academic life will also follow if our health goes down. Our awards cannot do anything if we fall ill. To avoid those problems, we must discipline ourselves to do what is needed in school before having fun.

Our friends can wait. Our vacation can wait. Prioritizing what’s more important is always the key to avoiding procrastination which can lead us to sleep deprivation.

It is ridiculous to claim that we are people, not robots while cramming and criticizing our professors at dawn.

We should just say it if we are bombarded with five tasks that should be passed on the day it was given.

On the flip side, if we find ourselves tired in the middle of doing our school work, it’s ok. Take a deep breath, and rest first. Don’t feel guilty about resting because that’s how we get our energy back.

To feel good is to never push ourselves beyond our capacity for the sake of finishing a task if we are finally exhausted and at the peak of having breakdowns.

It’s completely fine to pause and admit that we are weak now before getting up again. After all, forcing ourselves to still work despite the pain wouldn’t give us a good result.

Settling for a “basta matapos (at least it’s done)," mentality is not the characteristic of a wise student. Running away from distractions might be challenging, but making our dreams come true is what our motivation should be.

We have to stop romanticizing the idea of enjoying first, then suffering later. Mastering this technique can change our complex view of achieving academic excellence.

In other words, having the right mind can always lead us to an easier path. Success doesn't always look like endless suffering. Sometimes, success means having the time to relax, laugh, and just sleep.

With our responsible acts, we can make a success like rest with the joy of bonding with our family and friends after a long day of completing a pile of work.