I am confident when I say I'm not alone in feeling that staying busy is a good way to feel productive, accomplished and -- strangely -- relaxed. I have felt this way for years and, in those years, I have been able to comprise a list of tactics to use to defeat the stress of a hectic and involved schedule.
1. Stay organized
A fantastic tool to reference when someone asks if you are available is a calendar where you write down all commitments you have. Using a daily planner to write down any assignments announced in class will ensure that you never forget to complete some homework and lose points needlessly. Have a file folder for all of your important documents such as syllabi, government forms, and receipts. Have a whiteboard to write down all of the tasks you have to complete during the week. Have a bulletin board to pin up schedules, flyers, or inspirational quotes. All of these are organizational tactics that have proved useful in my everyday life. Maybe you have different strategies; that is perfectly fine. Use whatever works best for you! Just try not be the lady in the picture above.
2. Only participate in what you are truly interested in
Now, this might be an issue for those of you who are interested in almost everything. Trust me, I know. I am currently involved in organizations that range from Math Club to directing theater. However, it is only through experiencing and participating in these activities that you determine your absolute interests. This may cause some issues, but would you rather miss out on an opportunity that may benefit you currently or down the road? What I am saying is, try it out! You may discover that an open door may open more or may just be the door you have been looking for. If you find this is not that case, my next tip will provide a remedy
3. Learn how to say No
Saying that you can no longer participate in an activity or organization is OK, especially if you are no longer enjoying the experience or cannot give the quality of participation you want to. This is lesson I have only recently learned, and it has already lifted Atlas’ weight from my shoulders. The tipping point was when I had to neglect some of my duties because other commitments (mostly academics) held a higher priority. Being completely unable to do what needs to be done is not how I want to live my day-to-day life. As you can probably guess, it is also adds stress to daily life; I felt that I was letting my friends down when I could not do what they asked or needed me to do. That was why I took control and apologized to multiple groups saying that I was no longer able to be a part of their activities. I truly was sorry because I saw and knew that had I not been overcommitted, I would have enjoyed being with them. Alas, that is not the way of the world.
4. Set some time aside for yourself
Another lesson college has taught me was the importance of time to mentally rest. Am I talking about a few hours a day? No. No. No (see, I learned how to say no!). During weekdays, take a little walk to organize your thoughts and talk yourself through the day or week. Once you get done with your work during weekends, maybe socialize with some friends or watch a movie or some TV. I have found that working constantly drains the brain. A recent fortune from a fortune cookie said that constant grinding can turn an iron rod into a needle. Even the most skilled workers need a little break to rejuvenate and evaluate themselves.
5. Stay positive
Positivity is a word I live by every minute of my life. Am I sometimes negative? Of course. But what opinion is without an opposition? What diet does not get cheated on? The point is that smiling at the day may just change your perspective. Complaining about the amount of work you have to do will get you nowhere. Taking a positive perspective will give you the motivation to push through the mountain of work you may have, which if you have a busy schedule is like Mt. Everest. Yet, people have reached the top of Mt. Everest. So can you. Metaphorically.
These methods have worked for me since I implemented them and I hope they will work for you. If not, what methods do you use? Comment below and share your own advice!
