Whenever I get too stressed out with school, work, or my club activities, my mom always says, "take it one day at a time. If that's still too much, take it one hour at a time." That's a lot easier said than done, right? It's great advice though, and when trying to follow it, there are ways to keep working without breaking down.
We get so frustrated at times when things start to pile up on each other and begin to feel suffocating. It can become unbearable. I've put together a list of my personal tips and tricks for being productive without overloading myself with stress.
1. Set goals.
It's perfectly fine to start small and work your way up. If you have a 2,000 word essay due in two weeks, consider writing 100 words a day. By the time twelve days have passed, you'll be just about finished, leaving you two more days to revise and hand it in. When you think about it, 100 words a day is nothing! It'll leave you a lot less stressed than if you were to leave it all until last minute. The best way to avoid the stress of academic life is to plan ahead and work little by little so you don't get overwhelmed.
3. Take breaks, but not too often.
Running yourself ragged won't help your grade or your mental health. Every two hours or so, take a break. Watch an episode of your favorite show (be careful not to get sucked into a Netflix spiral) or read a few chapters of that new book you picked up. Take a little time to refresh your mind and re-energize, then get back to work ready to face everything head-on!
4. Pick a study buddy that will be a positive influence.
The worst mistake you can make while trying to stay productive is choosing a chatty, distracting study partner. Make sure that the person or people you choose will keep you on track, but will also be willing to take a break every so often to regroup and relax. It's a fine line, but in the long run, you'll be glad if you pick someone who is able to motivate you.
5. Close your social media tabs and put the phone down!
You should only be using internet for research and related topics to your work. Social media is a huge distraction, and it's easy to get swept away in reading through Tweets or checking out your friends' new photos. The best way to alleviate stress and still get work done is to stay on track and get productive. Nothing is more stressful than not getting any closer to your goal.
6. Go easy on yourself.
If you don't quite hit the word count you were aiming for that day, take a breath. That's nothing to beat yourself up over. Just readjust your plan and try to get there the next day. Most of the time, we put the most stress on ourselves, rather than outside forces doing so. Be kind to yourself and take care of yourself. You are capable of getting through this tough spot, so don't let doubt creep in.
These are my top tips for getting through any tough academic or career deadlines. Give them a shot and be sure to leave a comment below with your own suggestions!