By Jacob KelbrantsI first saw Christine and Sean in the main campus library. She had drifted peacefully to sleep while he was alert making final preparations for an exam. I learned that Christine had been going non-stop: lots of coffee, activities with friends and trying to keep up with her classes – basically burning the candle at both ends quickly and relentlessly. Sean in fact had been hitting it even harder. So how was he the one able to be awake and apparently doing just fine? Working out at the gym was important to him. AND to the same extent he exercised his body he committed an equal amount of time and interest in his own personal Bible study and his relationship with God. That made the difference not just in a few hours each day but in all 24.
Let’s face it. We all have times in our lives where we feel overwhelmed. We feel like there is way too much to do and way too little time. I call that college life. As a college student, finding that balance between work, school, physical training, personal relationships and your time with God can be, well, a stressful juggling act. Can we do it all? You are always crunched for time with a million things to do. I get that. But when we are grounded in faith we CAN do it all, and we can do it well!
Life on campus can be great. When I went to college I was excited about being in control of my own life. No curfew, no explanations as to what I was doing or where I was going. Independent for the first time in my life, I had to learn how to balance everything. I was bombarded every single day with choices. Hit the library for that exam, or sit on Facebook? Lay low on a Saturday night because I have church in the morning, or go out with friends? There are a million different scenarios, and just as many excuses to why we can’t get everything done.
My first two years away at school were a mess. I was more concerned with my social status and chasing girls than anything else. My relationship with God had drifted since high school and I felt both lonely and overwhelmed. Shortly after my twentieth birthday, I dropped to my knees for the first time in years. I asked God for help, and that’s when everything started to change. At that point I found my passion for fitness. I started training and fell in love with it immediately. Faith and fitness (exercise and good nutrition) have given me the strength and discipline I need to succeed in all of life’s demands. Together they help me use my limited time well.
When life feels like it’s just too much, I utilize the following tips:
Always start your day first and foremost with God. I believe that God has put us exactly where we are supposed to be, and never gives us a load that we cannot handle. Having faith in God comes before anything else.
Plan your day in advance. Taking the time to sit down and plan the following day has certain cognitive benefits as well. It programs your subconscious towards achieving those tasks. Ask yourself, “How will I use the next 24 hours that God gives me?”
Just say NO and manage your time. I am a people pleaser. I want to say that I will show up to everything all the time. That does not work. If you have something important you need to do, it’s okay to say no to people.
Make time for your passion, whatever it may be. Mine is training. I schedule it in to my routine six days per week. When you make time for something that truly gives you joy, it allows you to recharge your battery.
Be of service to others. Honestly, most of us go about our days thinking about all the things we have to do….for ourselves. Being of service means taking the time to help someone else. I volunteer my time every week leading a small group of students. Helping these kids has helped me grow in ways I never expected. There are many ways to get help and learn how you can get involved in volunteer work in your area. Talk to a pastor, research organizations, talk to your college career counselor, talk with other students or faculty and simply keep your eyes open for opportunities.
As college students, we’re always juggling many different things, in many different areas of life. That makes it challenging but also makes it exciting. Regular physical activity along with a healthy diet not only strengthens your body, it builds routine, discipline and spiritual confidence. A consistent fitness lifestyle builds a strong foundation for developing an even stronger relationship with God. When we need help and direction, we must turn to Him. He does not give us anything we cannot handle. Use these tips, as a strategy to getting and keeping your college years in order. Keep watching as I add more tips and comments below. It’s not just college time — It is college TIME. Use the next 24 in health and in fellowship with God.
This article is featured in the February/March 2020 and April/May 2013 issues of Faith & Fitness Magazine.
