School is finally back in session (yay) and with the new year comes new knowledge and new opportunities to procrastinate. It has only been a few days since classes started and everyone is already stressed out with all of the readings and assignments they have to do. With the semester coming on strong, it's super overwhelming to get stuff done.

It's too easy just freaking out about all the stuff you need to do, so here are a few things to try when you're beating yourself up about trying to get stuff done.

1. First of all, take a breath.

Things happen, life happens and it's normal to psych yourself out from time to time. When it happens, breathe and tell yourself everything will be OK. Even if it won't be and you're behind, freaking yourself out about it won't help you. If you calm down, that will help you get more work done. Freaking out about assignments has never helped anyone and it won't make the situation better. It will just further delay you actually getting work done.

2. Once you're done breathing, start planning things out!

I honestly suggest that everyone get a planner because it is the simplest way to make sure you're on top of everything. It is not enough to just have the planner though, you have to use it. It's not just there for show! When you're in class and a professor gives you a date, write it down automatically. Then later in the class or when you get a chance, leave yourself reminders a few weeks ahead to let yourself know that an assignment is coming up. A planner should be your best friend; write dates that are in the syllabus and that your professor says so that nothing comes up as a surprise.

3. Finally, when stuck on an assignment, break it up into parts.

Staring at the entire assignment and trying to do it all at once isn't going to be any easier even after you've taken a breath. Separating it into smaller, more manageable parts is what makes it simpler to do. For example, if you have to write an essay that answers questions on an article for class, split it up. Do the reading first and take notes! Next, answer the questions by themselves first, then go back and outline your essay. This will make it easier to integrate your answers into your essay. That's just an example but the steps stay the same. Break it up and then allow yourself a small treat every time you finish a task. Positive reinforcement works wonders and you'll thank yourself for it.

While it is easy to freak ourselves out, just taking a deep breath or talking to someone can help us declutter our brain a bit. When you have so much to do, it can feel like all of your tasks are scattered but you can do it. Here's to a successful semester!