Maintaining Work-Life Balance at Gatton

Becoming a student at The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science can be a challenging transition for many who come here for their last two years in high school. Students learn how to live on their own, be responsible for their own coursework, budget a meal plan, make friends in a dormitory, study, and many other things. Maintaining a work-life balance is a good way to help yourself stay ahead of the curve during your time at the Gatton Academy and here are some ways to do that.

1. Clubs: Gatton and WKU both offer a variety of clubs that may pique your interest. Most clubs meet weekly and can be a great way to involve yourself with your interests and community.
2. Eating with Friends: Sharing a meal with your friend group a few nights a week is a good way to keep in touch with one another.
3. Going Out: Whether it’s a 30-minute walk or a trip off campus to get Boba with friends, a miniature outing is a great way to break up the day and enjoy the sunshine.
4. Exercise: The Preston Building offers a full natatorium, gym, and basketball court. A workout split or a pick-up game are great ways to stay active.
5. Weekend Activities: Gatton hosts activities every weekend for students to participate in: karaoke, arts and crafts, movies, and off campus adventures are examples of events that occur each semester. The shopping shuttle is also fair game on a Saturday afternoon.
6. Rest Day: One of the most widely practiced techniques is the rest day. A student picks one day out of the week where they do no schoolwork. For many this is a Saturday or Sunday, but it could also be a weekday if you like to get caught up on school on the weekend.

By no means do you need to do all these things to maintain an adequate work-life balance, but two or three from this list will help you stay on top of things without becoming completely engrossed in an unbalanced lifestyle. Hopefully you find this short list of recreational activities to be fulfilling and worthwhile. If you find other things to do throughout the week, be sure to share those ideas and these with your friends to help foster healthy and balanced lifestyles!

Gatton Academy, Kentucky, STEM, Student Life, WKU