The Importance of Extracurricular Activities in High School

You are already busy with schoolwork. Your English teacher has assigned you an essay, and your math teacher expects pages upon pages of equations to be solved. Every teacher seems to be asking for a lot of your time. Some of you may have jobs. So why add more to your schedule? Getting involved in an extracurricular can feel daunting. From the discomfort of trying something new to balancing an already hectic schedule, it can be hard to identify the benefits. However, extracurricular activities are so much more than an additional obligation. They are an opportunity to improve physical and mental health, develop time management skills, grow as a leader and teammate, and make a significant impact when applying for colleges and universities

Improving your Physical and Mental Health

What are you passionate about? Identifying this can be the first step towards deciding which extracurricular to participate in. No one expects you to do everything, so try and find what would bring you the most joy. This could be getting involved with the arts, sports, clubs, etc. The options are endless. You can look at various catalogs or student guides to help you make your choice. Getting involved in something you love can improve your mental health! Sometimes, the best art or performances are created when you truly put your heart into it. Put any stressors you may feel into your extracurricular and watch how your mood improves! Additionally, you will be surrounded by people who enjoy the same things you do! Finding common ground with new friends can also help improve your mental health. You will also see improvement in your physical health. Getting off the couch and getting active is one of the best ways to stay healthy.

Develop Your Time Management Skills

Trying to balance schoolwork, family life, friends, and a new activity can be daunting, but there are ways to help you manage this! Keeping an agenda can be an easy first step to keeping track of all your obligations. After a while, it becomes second nature. The time-management skills you will develop will be integral in college and the workforce.  If you would like additional information on ways to manage your time, Dailies has an article about that!

Grow as a Leader and a Teammate

When you are a part of a team, you must learn how to work together to achieve your desired goals. That may sound straightforward, but it takes a lot of self-management. Through your role as a teammate, you will develop communication skills and refine your decision-making and problem-solving skills. It can also improve your creativity! Sometimes, complicated scenarios require creative problem-solving. These skills will be vital as you graduate and gain independence. Whether group work in college or a team project at your future job, you must know how to communicate effectively with others and problem-solve.

Applying to Colleges and Universities

If you choose to go the college route, every university has an extensive application process. Hundreds of students apply every year in hopes of getting into the university of their choice. Being involved in extracurricular activities helps you stand out from the crowd!