Balancing everything

Hey everyone, I just want to be completely honest. I’ve been really struggling to balance everything—IGCSEs, friendships, family time, exercising, and hobbies. Some days, it feels like there’s just not enough time to fit everything in. If I focus on studying, I miss out on spending time with friends. I don't hangout with my friends outside of school and haven't spoken to my friends (who don't go to the same school as me) in almost 2 months. My family time consists of either my dad helping me with some difficult topic or my mum complaining that I'm not trying hard enough. My older sister judges me for taking even a 10 MINUTE break and then bring my younger sisters into the picture and then the whole family is against me. I've completely stopped doing all of my hobbies 'cause I understand I have to make sacrifices to pass my exams. I've tried really hard to find time for exercising because I know it's really important but it's like I have NO time at all.
I wake up at around 6am, get ready for school and leave at around 7am. I get back from school at 3pm, and then it's too hot to go out (I live in a safe neighborhood so I can go for walks alone). I have a snack while scrolling on instagram and then talk with my mum for about 20 minutes. Then I start have an online class from 4.30 to 5.30 (only on Mon and Wed otherwise I do homework) after the class or homework, I study from 5.30 to 7.30 (with a 20 min break) then I have an online class till 8.15. Then I study till 9:30pm. I read a bit and then sleep at around 10ish.
On weekends, its SO much more busier. I wake up at around 8ish, and start studying from 8.30 to 11ish. Then I do some chores, have a shower, help my mum and then I have an english class from 1 to 2pm. I have lunch and then scroll on insta till 3ish. Then I 'try' to talk with my family. AGAIN study from 4.30 to 9.30 (with 3, 10min breaks in between) read, sleep.
If I try to relax, I feel guilty for not working. It’s like no matter what I do, something gets left behind. I want to do well in my exams, but I also don’t want to lose the things that make me happy. I keep telling myself to manage my time better, but it’s easier said than done.
If anyone has tips or has been through this before, I’d love to hear how you handled it. I guess I just needed to get this off my chest.

Hi @aysha.wazeer09
I hope you're well 🙂 I can appreciate everything you've mentioned will be overwhelming and stressful for you. While you're trying to manage fitting everything in, also do give yourself credit that you have lots going on and you are only human - you won't be able to do everything - and that is okay! You shouldn't let yourself feel guilty as you're trying your best.
It seems you've already structured your days but do ensure you have regular breaks - only then will your studying and revision be effective. Without them eventually you may crash and it's not helpful to work long periods without breaks.
With family, try communicating with them and let them know you are trying your best. They will probably see youre studying often and are aware but if it does upset you it's important to let them know how you feel so they can acknowledge and be there for you.
If the timetable you currently have isn't working for you, try switching things up a little but do factor in time for breaks & meet ups with friends and family. Even if it's a call with friends, try get things off your chest and speak about how you feel. You're only human, not a robot and you can't expect yourself to not have a social life either 🙂
~Zaynab
University of Bradford

Thank you so much! I think i just needed to get this of my chest, and I'm gonna try and follow your advice!