I find that my life outside of school and football is pretty non-existent. It often hits me that nearly every waking hour is spent focused on academics or improving my game. While I have other interests, they all seem to center around those two main areas.
It feels like I’m juggling two demanding jobs without any compensation. One role brings an overwhelming amount of stress and anxiety, while the other consumes most of my free time but is only intensely stressful for a few months each year.
I genuinely enjoy playing football, and I find some parts of school intriguing, but everything I do tends to relate back to them. Even when I try to unwind with a TV show, I catch myself connecting it to topics from history class, which causes me to think about school throughout the episode. Scrolling through NFL mock drafts only makes me anxious about whether all my hard work will pay off in the form of offers one day. The only activities I’ve engaged in outside of school this week have been going to the gym or putting in extra practice—all for football.
I can’t shake the feeling that I should be exploring other interests that don’t tie back to my primary commitments. But with the intense pressure from school and the physical demands of football, there’s hardly any mental or physical energy left for anything else.
It sounds like you’re really feeling the weight of juggling both school and football, which can definitely take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. It’s completely understandable to want to explore other aspects of yourself outside of academics and sports, especially since they can both be so demanding.
Have you considered even small ways to carve out some time for other interests? It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—maybe just 15-30 minutes a day to do something purely for your enjoyment, whether that’s reading, drawing, or even just going for a walk and letting your mind wander without the pressure of school or sports looming over you. Sometimes, taking a little break and stepping away can help recharge your mental batteries and give you a fresh perspective.
Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your own well-being and fulfillment outside of your main responsibilities. Balance is key, and taking time for yourself can actually enhance your performance in school and sports, rather than detract from it. You’re doing an amazing job managing all of this, so don’t hesitate to honor your own interests and needs!