Today’s students often prioritize academics over sports and other extracurricular activities, which is noticeable. Their engagement in non-academic pursuits is significantly lower in comparison. This lack of involvement isn’t always voluntary; students often feel pressured by parents or educational institutions. When academic results are favorable, students spend their entire day studying, aiming for scholarships.
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I’m not suggesting that studying should be neglected—it’s essential. However, academics alone shouldn’t be the sole focus in life. Alongside studies, participation in various other activities is crucial. But the intense pressure to excel academically leaves little room for anything else. Consequently, children end up acquiring only basic knowledge, lacking the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive work environment. Furthermore, our education system tends to prioritize academic achievements over all other accomplishments. Parents may not express as much enthusiasm when their students win a debate competition or science fair compared to when they achieve academic excellence, which is celebrated by the entire family and society.
However, that’s not the reality we’re experiencing. Both types of achievements are equally deserving of praise. There was supposed to be harmony between them, but that balance seems to have been lost. Our families, society, education system, and even ourselves are responsible for this.
Students are no longer seen playing outside the house; instead, they spend their days immersed in books or lost in the world of the Internet. But haven’t we heard the saying, “Literary knowledge and wealth, neither knowledge nor wealth is necessary”? Therefore, it’s crucial to engage in extracurricular activities so that knowledge isn’t confined to the pages of books but is applicable in our lives. Let’s explore why extracurricular activities are so important in our lives.
1) CV Heavy
We may or may not know that reputable universities in neighboring countries like India, as well as other countries, prioritize students with a robust resume filled with extracurricular activities alongside academic studies. This principle extends to employment opportunities as well. Excelling in studies doesn’t guarantee a good job. Sometimes, students from the back row of the class secure better positions than those in the front row. The primary reason for this phenomenon is that middle-class or less privileged students tend to engage more in extracurricular activities. Consequently, they develop additional skills beyond academic studies, often surpassing their peers who excel solely in academics. Therefore, individuals aspiring to pursue higher education abroad or aiming for careers in the corporate sector should emphasize participation in extracurricular activities alongside their studies.
2) Increases Efficiency
Regular participation in sports and other activities from an early age generally results in better physical fitness compared to other children. Physical activity boosts metabolism and blood flow, increases stamina, and enhances mental alertness. It reduces fatigue by boosting energy levels. Consequently, individuals engaged in such activities perform better in everyday life and work settings. They can work continuously for extended periods without experiencing exhaustion. Their ability to work hard puts them ahead of others in various fields, leading to quicker success.
3) Teaches Teamwork
Participating in extracurricular activities from childhood fosters valuable teamwork skills. Children who engage solely in academic studies from a young age often lack experience working in groups. This leaves them ill-prepared for teamwork in professional settings when they enter the workforce. There are lessons to be learned through teamwork that cannot be gleaned from the pages of a book. These include skills such as conflict resolution, influencing others, and leadership—qualities that are acquired through practical experience. Extracurricular activities offer opportunities for this experiential learning from an early age. When boys and girls engage in extracurricular activities during childhood, they gradually develop capability and strength. While the necessity of these activities may not be immediately apparent, their impact becomes significantly noticeable later on.
4) Enhances Creativity
While curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity may naturally exist in some individuals, they can also be nurtured and developed. Given the right environment, anyone can cultivate these qualities, although it’s a gradual process that requires care and proper guidance. Extracurricular activities play a vital role in fostering creativity.
Engaging in activities such as painting, singing, or writing stimulates creativity. When children and teenagers participate in such activities, they unlock new avenues for expression, guiding their creative process. Consequently, their thinking evolves, and a streak of innovation and exceptionality becomes evident in their endeavors. Creativity knows no bounds and can manifest in various forms, including drawing, singing, debating, writing, and more. Therefore, individuals should focus on activities that resonate most with their interests.
5) Ensures Good Social Life
Individuals who solely immerse themselves in books often lack a vibrant social circle. Their limited interaction with others hinders the formation of friendships. Engaging with the outside world exposes one to new people, fostering the opportunity to forge connections with like-minded individuals. Group activities play a significant role in this process. When individuals participate in group activities, whether sports or otherwise, they establish regular contact with others, fostering strong bonds and enriching their social lives.
6) Helps Reduce Stress
Stress is not exclusive to the workforce; school and college students also experience significant mental stress due to the pressure of exams and competitions. Extracurricular activities offer valuable opportunities to alleviate stress by providing breaks and recreation. Engaging in these activities helps to calm the mind and alleviate worries, ultimately enhancing focus and productivity.
7) Ensures Good Time Management
Engaging in multitasking through extracurricular activities enhances one’s ability to manage time effectively. Individuals accustomed to multitasking excel in dividing tasks based on importance, a skill that proves invaluable in various situations encountered in professional life. By participating in extracurricular activities, individuals learn to perform diverse tasks and face new challenges, further honing their time management skills.
8) Increases Confidence
Engaging in various activities boosts confidence and wards off feelings of inferiority. Individuals who venture beyond traditional activities develop resilience against negative thoughts and feelings. Multitasking instills a sense of value and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience, ultimately enabling individuals to overcome obstacles with ease.
9) Overall Improvement
Individuals capable of multitasking and possessing diverse skills hold greater value than those specialized in a single area. Participation in extracurricular activities enables children and adolescents to acquire a range of skills, enhancing their overall competence and making them more desirable candidates in the workforce.
10) Talent Development
Everyone possesses hidden talents that may remain dormant without proper exploration. Engaging children and teenagers in extracurricular activities provides opportunities for talent development. Through participation in various activities, individuals can identify their strengths, weaknesses, and interests, uncovering new facets of themselves and unlocking new career possibilities. Recognizing their capabilities empowers individuals to embark on successful journeys and contribute to the country’s development. Therefore, it’s essential not only to participate in extracurricular activities but also to encourage others to do so, fostering a skilled population that can drive the country forward on the path of development.
