It is very typical of professors and teachers to assign us with a ton of papers, presentations, and projects at the very end of the semester. Usually they are all assigned during the same week too. When you finally have the chance to sit down and really think about how much work you have to do in such a little time period, you turn into a stressed out mess. It may not show on the outside, but inside you are freaking out! What do you do?

First of all, it’s pretty hard to wrap your brain around just how many things you have to do, so it is best to make a list. Write down all the papers, projects, and presentations that you have coming up and write them in the order that they are due. This will help you visualize the amount of work you actually have to do. Sometimes it’s not as much as you think, but most of the time it’s more than what you thought. Having the list displayed so that you see it every time you walk in your room will remind you of just how much you have to do. The list is also a motivation tool, so that when you finish an assignment you get to cross it off the list. It’s almost like receiving a prize because when you cross something off, it lowers your stress level a bit and you feel a real sense of accomplishment… until you look back at the list.

Sometimes it is good to take a small break from all the work you have to do, emphasis on small. For example, watch an episode of your favorite show or run to the Starbuck’s to get your favorite drink. But as soon as you have finished your small break, it is right back to work. When it’s time to eat lunch or dinner, just let yourself relax and eat in peace. Don’t feel any pressure to work while you eat because that will only stress you out more, trying to alternate between eating and reading because it is almost impossible to do both at the same time. Trust me, I have tried multiple times.

Find a nice quiet spot to do your work in. Trying to work in an area that is noisy with too many distractions will really raise your stress level. When you are studying and doing your work that needs to be your main focus otherwise nothing is going to sink in and no work will get done. Time is already limited, it is no use to waste it by studying distracted. Some people prefer to work inside, but sometimes going outside and studying there for a little while can make all the difference. Fresh air and sunny skies could really reduce your stress level.

A great strategy to help get you motivated to actually sit down and do your work is to set up rewards for yourself. For example promise yourself to study for at least 2 or 3 hours that night and as a reward you can go out with your friends. Food is another good motivation tool, promise yourself ice cream or cookies if you studying for so long.

The main thing you need to remember is to just do the work and forget about how much you have to do while you are working. There is no use in stressing yourself out by thinking about everything you have to do and distract yourself from actually getting anything done. Procrastination is evil, don’t let it take control. It can cause you dangerously high stress levels. Trust me I have experienced so much stress throughout my school years and I have tried all these strategies and they do help.