Leadership and Life Balance
How do I keep a social life when training and competing take my weekends?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Do not treat life as leftovers. Put your friends and plans on the same calendar as training and school. Book one thing you enjoy each week and treat it like training. Warn people early about heavy weeks, so nobody is surprised and you can decide what moves.
The answer
- Put every fixed commitment in one calendar: classes, training, matches, travel. Add your friends and plans to the same calendar.
- Look at the week. Find the gaps that are left.
- Book one thing you enjoy each week, and treat it like training.
- Look ahead for heavy weeks and warn people early: teachers, coaches and friends.
- If something does not fit, decide what moves.
You do not have to choose between your sport and the rest of your life. Plan both into the same week.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 12 October 2026.