While some say junior year is the most difficult, senior year college students have to face applications, interviews, and preparation for "adulting," all in addition to what will likely be the most challenging course load they'll ever have. I may be only a week into the last semester of my senior year of college, but I don't think I've ever started off a semester feeling this overwhelmed. Here are four methods I am currently testing out in hopes of curing my "senioritis."
1. Stick to Your Planner & Weekly Goals
Planners aren't just for first-semester freshmen. If you're not one to take a pen and write down your schedule in a typical planner, try writing a weekly checklist on a dry-erase white board or use your phone's calendar to keep track of your month. I have a large white board in my room that contains my list of achievable weekly goals, in which I gain satisfaction when crossing goals off every time I complete them.
2. Go to the Gym
Just thinking about going to the gym was never for me. Throughout my college career, I can literally count the amount of times I've gone to the gym on one hand. I've always felt that the mere thought of going to the gym would make me more stressed out. However, my thinking was clearly flawed. An article from the Huffington Post reads, "We’ve all read that exercise lowers levels of anxiety, depression and stress. And that holds true even for people who are stressed out by the idea of exercise." I've decided to start going to the gym everyday over the last semester of my senior year (which so far, has been about a week). I truly believe that the gym has been a great release and distraction from my stressful workload!
3. Sleep & Eat
Sleep & Eat. Probably the most beautiful two-word phrase in the English language. In all seriousness, everyone, especially college students, should eat breakfast on a daily basis. Similar to the gym, this is one I recently started adding onto my daily routine. English muffins, Greek yogurt, and fresh fruit are my recent favorites. For ideas on convenient and healthy breakfasts, read "22 Healthy College Recipes You Can Make in Your Dorm Room."
In addition to eating plenty of good food, college students need plenty of sleep. According to the University Health Center at the University of Georgia, the average college student gets about 6 hours of sleep, and the average adult needs 6-10 hours of sleep every night. Hungry, sleep-deprived college students are a recipe for procrastination.
4. Keep it Real
Lastly, don't over do it or put too much pressure on yourself. Take reasonable breaks and time for yourself in between homework, studying, and classes. Realistically, it may take dozens of applications and numerous interviews before finding the right job, so don't give up or feel discouraged. Let friends, family members, colleagues, and any current and past employers know the career field you are looking to pursue a job in and tell them to put your name out there and let you know of any opportunities they hear of related in your field.
