As we see normalcy resume after the pandemic, people of all ages are attempting to balance the stressors of what this life encompasses. The isolated lifestyle consisting of little socialization has swiftly concluded. Oodles of free time have now been reduced drastically. The seven-hour school day, extracurricular activities and homework leaves nominal time for lengthy relaxation and self-care.

As a student-athlete, time management is key in order to thrive academically and athletically. As a soccer player for Pascack Valley, balancing the amount of competitive games we have each week along with the stressors of junior year was undoubtedly an obstacle in itself. Despite it being a tad excessive, the only way to give myself the best shot in succeeding academically during the season was doing assignments well before they were due. Even with my numerous intricate strategies of how to properly use my time, there was still residual stress from the unavoidable issue of overworking. As I reflect on the season now that it has ended, I realized that I should have incorporated more time for self-care and a simple break. 

Taking care of your mind and body should be prioritized among your other activities and workload. As I came to learn, time management is not something you are born with, but rather a skill you learn through experience, trial and error if you will. 

Ever since the start of her YouTube career, the internet has adored Emma Chamberlain’s unapologetic personality and realness. Her successes continue to be unparalleled by other pioneers of the YouTube platform. Chamberlain’s humble and realistic demeanor remains to be one of my favorite characteristics as a listener and avid watcher of her content. 

One of her recent projects is her podcast, “Anything Goes,” which covers a slew of different topics ranging in their formality. Chamberlain covers something as simple as a minor inconvenience with her cats, to heavier topics about the struggle of constant anxiety and she accurately describes the reality of balancing various commitments, as well as the pitfalls in learning to do so. 

I find the freeform style of this podcast extremely enticing and comforting, more so than that of a very structured podcast. The ease in which Chamberlain speaks makes you feel as if you are having a conversation with her. While it may seem like a minuscule perk of listening, a relatable and real podcast indefinitely helps me in times of need. Furthermore, not only is Chamberlain’s podcast one of many unconventional qualities, but another popular feat of “Anything Goes” is the focus on living a philosophically-sound life. Chamberlain has dealt with some harsh challenges and criticisms due to being an internet figure. Her life experiences thus far prove her a veteran of discussing mental health. As she speaks to her struggles in the past, she once again establishes that sense of realness that often seems to be lost these days due to the priority of royalties and economic gain. 

In the episode titled “back to school,” Chamberlain describes how she handled the rigor of her classes, being a student-athlete, as well as the tricky ins and outs of high school socialization. She urges that you cannot tie your worth to your academic success, for all you can do is your best. 

“As long as you are doing the best you can, just let yourself be,” Chamberlain said. “Be kind to yourself.” 

While adjusting to a normal school year, the reinforcement of this ideology aided me in the acclimation to a new schedule. In addition, Chamberlain adds that she wishes she looked at high school as a life experience rather than a grind to the end. Your four years in high school are considered important memories later in life, so she urges her listeners to make the most of their allotted time. With never having had a full regular school year at PV due to COVID-19, this sentiment has never been more crucial. After having lost so much time to make memories as well as growing as a person in a high school environment, making the most of my time has been one of my top priorities. While it has always been in the back of my mind, Chamberlain made me realize that if it isn’t prioritized, it can be easy to get caught up in the sometimes mundane and demanding lifestyle of school. 

Little acts of positivity and mindfulness can go a long way in making your life infinitely more enjoyable. While everyone is settling into our new normal, just remember to be kind to yourself every step of the way. Sometimes much-needed perspective comes from the most unexpected and surprising places, such as Chamberlain’s podcast “Anything Goes.”