Between grades, homework, friends, and sleep–– school can be a lot. Especially at this point in the semester where we've already reached the tip of the mountain (Spring Break) and now are rolling, basically falling, down aforementioned mountain at an acceleration that is too great for any of us to slow until we reach the bottom. No one ever said it was going to be easy, I'm pretty sure we all knew what we were getting ourselves into when we decided to give this whole school thing a shot. But that doesn't mean we don't deserve a little help along the way. With the help and inspiration of some of my friends, here's a list of 11 tips I've compiled that'll hopefully lend a helping hand.
1. First things first, you gotta prioritize.
I know that Netflix is taunting you, whispering for you to watch that next episode of "Gossip Girl" or "The Office." I know you'd much rather play a quick game of FIFA rather than study for your history quiz. But if you're putting those things in front of your school work then chances are it's going to start piling up which will only lead to more stress. Say, "Xoxo" to "Gossip Girl" for now and score that goal in FIFA later, they aren't going anywhere. And neither is that five page essay if you don't write it.
2. Write, literally, everything down.
I'm kind of a hypocrite when it comes to this, since I'm notorious for not writing things down, but I'm working on it. My roommate is probably the most studious person I know, has nearly perfect grades, and always seems to have her stuff together. Her secret? Every page of her planner is covered with ink. From school work to errands she wants to get done, you name it and my roommate has probably written it down. And if that's too much for you, at least write down everything you know you have to do for the week ahead. It'll help keep you organized and let you not fall behind.
3. Listen to music while you work.
Never underestimate the unyielding power of music. I know it might seem like a no-brainer, but listening to music while you're writing a paper or doing Spanish homework is a really good way to stay focused. Although I've found that different music is good for different things. Whenever I'm studying for something, I like to have classical or instrumental music playing quietly in the background. But if I'm doing Spanish homework, I put my headphones in and jam to my favorite songs. They almost make Spanish homework bearable. Almost.
4. Hide your phone. Seriously. Hide it.
If I had a dollar for every time I checked my phone when writing an essay I'd probably be rich as Mr. Trump himself. It's not like there was something there every time I checked. In fact, most of the time, I'll end up scrolling through the same pictures I'd already seen on Instagram. Phones are the probably the number one distractors when it comes to writing obnoxiously long essays, mainly because Snapchat and Twitter are far more interesting than whatever nonsense your professor is making you write about. I like to put mine in my desk drawer or simply throw it on my bed into my mass of blankets. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
5. Don't be afraid to work ahead.
Like I was talking about in #1, school work has the annoying tendency to pile up. But the one way to guarantee that it doesn't is by simply getting things done ahead of time. If you find yourself bored on a Saturday night, crank out that essay that's not due until next week. Not only will you be happy that it's done and out of the way, but think of all the time you just cleared up in your schedule.
6. Take breaks.
If you've been working or studying for hours on end and have reached the brink of stress induced destruction, it's definitely time to take a break. Grab a yummy drink and maybe a snack, then kick back and watch some cute puppy videos. Just don't forget to get back to work eventually.
7. Do your homework outside!
A change of scenery in any scenario is always a plus. The white concrete staring back at you as you sit at your desk can get a little dull, so if the sun is shining and it's nice out, why not bring your work outside? My roommate and I have recently invested in a picnic blanket and it's probably one of the greatest purchases I've ever made. We can bring that bad boy outside, grab some school work, and sit and work while simultaneously soaking up some vitamin D.
8. It's gross... but exercise.
I have a love/hate, but mostly hate, relationship with the whole physical activity thing. I hate doing it, but it honestly makes me feel better after the fact. Whenever I manage to drag myself to the gym, 9/10 times I end up feeling more energized and happy when I get back than when I left. And, if the gym isn't your thing, then go out and kick a soccer ball or throw a frisbee with some friends. Not only will you be getting some physical activity out of it, but you're also making memories with the people that are important to you.
9. For the love of Gosh, please sleep.
So many of my friends have told me horror stories about the amount of sleep they get each night just because they were doing homework until really late. I try to make sure my homework is done before 10, just so I have a few hours to unwind and hang out with my friends before I crash for the night. I understand not everyone's homework load is the same, but if you've got extra time during the day you should take advantage of it. Sleep is good for you. Very, very good for you.
10. Hang out with your friends.
I know this one might go against the whole "be responsible with your homework" atmosphere I've created for this article, but never underestimate the power that your friends have when it comes to helping you destress. If you've got a good group of friends that can make you laugh easily, sometimes they can be a nice distraction and get your mind off of everything that you have to do for a little while. Just don't let them distract you from actually doing them.
11. Last, but not least, your mental health should come before your grades.
This one is probably the most important. If you're truly feeling like you're getting past the breaking point with school work, then you need to put it down. If your stress level is honestly that bad, then give yourself a day off. At Longwood, we call it taking a Lancer Day. Getting good grades is important, but not at the cost of destroying your mental health.
