Extra-curricular activities help give you valuable experience, keep you active, and provide a myriad of benefits. As more and more options become available, it can be difficult to decide which activities to take on. After all, there are a limited number of hours available, and knowing that you are choosing one activity while sacrificing another can lead to feelings of regret. There are a number of things to consider as you decide what to pursue.

Before you start looking into activities that are available in your area, write down a list of your interests. This can be a point-form list or a journal entry, depending on how you like to organize your thoughts. Also write down what you want to get out of the activities you choose. Ensure that you take this step before looking at what is out there. This way you are avoiding any biases or impact on your thought process from what you read. By going into the decision-making process with a clear goal and mindset, there is far less chance of confusion and regret later.

Make sure to weigh the benefits of the activities you find. Upon selecting potential picks for programs you can enroll in, write out the positives and negatives for each one. Take into account your schedule, the mental and physical energy involved, and the short-term and long-term benefits. Certain activities may not be worth their strenuous nature, especially physical ones. On the other hand, ones that may not seem like an immediately good choice could prove to provide long-term benefits, such as work experience that will shine on your resume.

Finally, do not be afraid to take risks. Children and adults alike tend to stick to habits and the things they know. Instead of choosing an activity you have done before and are well-versed in, it might be worth stepping outside your comfort zone. Take a look at the options available with as open a mind as possible. There are many sites to visit as you investigate your potential picks. For those in Toronto, Toronto4Kids has an extensive list of classes and programs available (http://www.toronto4kids.com/Directories/Classes-Programs/). There are many possibilities to consider, and thoroughly examining your options will make sure your ultimate decision is one you will be happy with.

It can be a lot to take on choosing and participating in these activities on top of your usual schoolwork. By taking the time to analyze what you enjoy and want to get out of these pursuits, as well as extensively reviewing your options with an open mind, you are ensuring that what you undertake will be well worth your time. Although you are restricted to certain classes during the school day, extra-curricular activities help you in taking the first steps towards independence and building the life you want to have as an adult.

Sources

Amanda Morin. How to Ensure Your Child Chooses the Right After-School Activities. Popsugar. http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Tips-Choosing-After-School-Activities-31062569

Choosing After-School Programs. Toronto4Kids. http://www.toronto4kids.com/August-2013/Choosing-After-School-Programs/