Article: There’s nothing wrong with going to a party or hanging out with friends, as long as you don’t feel forced into it. Don’t succumb to peer pressure because you want to fit in or be cool.  Before you start trying to balance your social life with your academics, make sure the things that comprise your social life are activities you actually want to take part in. Focus on things that bring you enjoyment and a welcome distraction from your schoolwork. Try some new activities. For example, you could try signing up for a Zumba class, or take a watercolor painting class. You can try new activities with friends or on your own. Make sure the people you allow in your life are supportive of your academic goals. If they make you feel guilty for not hanging out with them, they’re not being supportive of what you’re trying to achieve.  Talk to them about your goals, focusing on finding a middle ground between the involvement they expect of you and your academic schedule. If they seem more focused on getting what they want and not helping you achieve your goals, you might have to start asking yourself if they’re a real friend. Try out some new activities to meet people who share your interests and who may also make supportive friends. You might find that some of the clubs and organizations in your school have the kinds of activities you want to participate in. Joining a school club gives you the ability to spend time with like-minded students, building relationships that can help you during your academic career as well as giving you a needed social break. Additionally, since club activities often follow a fixed schedule, it’ll be easier to fit them in around the schedule you’ve set for your schoolwork.  If you want to stay in good health, you might want to join a sports team or a fitness-focused club. Clubs centered around artistic pursuits, such as sculpture or painting, can help you diversify your skillset while expressing yourself. Clubs focusing on math and the sciences can help you improve your skills in a way that’s directly useful for your schoolwork. Keep in mind that you can always start a club of your own if you can’t find a club that you want to join. While a teacher can help you with your schoolwork, a guidance counselor or academic advisor can help you with the overall balancing of your schoolwork and social life. They can serve as a good reference point for any questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to turn to them for help with all aspects of your academic and social life:  Guidance counselors are usually trained to help you set academic goals, study more efficiently as well as helping you resolve conflicts with family and friends. Some guidance counselors also provide therapy and counseling services that can prove helpful as you straighten out your social life.

What is a summary?
Make time only for activities you want to participate in. Hang out with supportive friends. Join a school club or organization. Speak to a guidance counselor or academic advisor.