Balance between school, sports and relaxation: how to keep it up as a young athlete

For young talents who are fanatic about sports, such as mountain bikers or road cyclists, it can be quite a challenge to keep everything in balance. School requires a lot of attention, training and competitions fill the schedule, and there is also a need for rest and time for fun. How do you ensure that all these elements remain in harmony, without becoming overloaded? In the blog we share practical tips to find a balance between school, sports and relaxation.

1. Make a weekly schedule

Good planning is the key to success. By looking ahead and planning everything, you avoid getting stressed at the last minute.

• School and Homework: Set aside fixed times in your week for homework or studying for tests. This will prevent you from getting into trouble right before a deadline.
• Trainings and matches: Write down all training sessions and matches, so you can see how much time they take. Plan enough rest periods around them.
• Free time: Don't forget to schedule time for relaxation and fun things. This is just as important!

An example:

• Monday: Homework (4:00-5:00pm), light training (5:30-6:30pm)
• Tuesday: Free afternoon to do something fun with friends
• Wednesday: Training (5:00-6:30pm), then a quiet evening

With a clear plan you know exactly what to expect, which gives you peace of mind during a busy week.

2. Set priorities

Sometimes it seems like everything has to happen at once, but it doesn't have to. By setting priorities, you can make choices more easily.

• What needs the most attention now? If you have an important test, you might skip a training session once. Conversely, you might finish your homework early so that you can go to a match without stress.
• Be realistic: You can't do everything perfectly. It's okay to do a little less sometimes if you feel yourself getting overloaded.

3. Communicate well

For a young athlete it is important to have a strong team around him: parents, coaches, teachers and friends. Good communication with them helps to keep the balance.

• With parents: Discuss your planning together and ask for help if something doesn't work out, such as transportation to training or an extra quiet evening if it's busy.
• With trainers: If school temporarily demands a lot, please let your trainer know. Often there is room to adjust training.
• With teachers: If you have to leave early for a match, let them know in advance. Many schools are open to discussion, especially if sports are an important part of your life.

4. The importance of rest and relaxation

Besides school and sports, relaxation is essential. This is not only good for your body, but also for your mind. Spending time with friends, doing nothing for a while or a quiet evening at home helps to recover and recharge.

Tips for relaxation:

• Get outside for a walk or light bike ride without the pressure to perform.
• Read a book, watch a movie or listen to music to take your mind off things.
• Try techniques such as mindfulness or breathing exercises to calm down.

Remember: you become a better athlete if you also rest!

5. Learning moments and self-reflection

The combination of school, sports and free time is different for every young athlete. What works for one person, is not necessarily ideal for another. That is why it is good to reflect regularly: what is going well and what could be better? Talk to your parents, trainers or friends about how you feel and adjust your planning if necessary.

Ask yourself questions like:

• Did I get enough rest this week?
• Do I feel happy and motivated, or is it too much?
• What else could I do?

Finally

Finding a balance between school, sports and relaxation is not always easy, but with good planning, clear priorities and sufficient rest periods you can go a long way. The most important thing is that you continue to enjoy what you do. Whether you are sitting in the school benches, on your bike or laughing with friends: it is all about fun and growth.

With a healthy balance, you can excel both in the classroom and on the mountain bike. Go for it, champ!