As college students, we're all pretty damn busy and this year has been the most hectic in my entire life. I have 5 classes, my retail job, the editor-in-chief position here at Odyssey, and now I am writing for the campus newspaper at my school. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy all of these things, but it can be incredibly difficult to balance all of these things in my life. If I focus on academics and my jobs, I neglect all of the wonderful people in my life. But if I spend lots of time with those I love, my articles and schoolwork suffer. Here are a few tips for the very busy college student.
1) Don't be afraid to say no.
If your friends/family ask you to go out or spend time with them and you genuinely don't have the time, it's okay for you to say no. I have difficulties with this since I want to see them too, but I always regret it after when I'm cramming for a test or when I don't give myself enough time to write an article. Even though saying no might not feel good at the time, it'll make you much less stressed in the end.
2) But, give yourself a break.
Even though saying no is totally okay, if you've been working really hard and think you can afford to take time off, go out with your friends/family or do something else that gives you joy.
3) Use a planner.
As cliché as this sounds, using a planner is incredibly helpful. I am a very disorganized person, and if I don't write everything down I forget to do things until it's due or almost due. Writing everything down gives me much less stress since I can plan ahead. If you write yourself what is due and when it needs to be done, you will be able to decipher when it's best to take a break.
4) Check your syllabi.
This is similar to using a planner and helps with overall organization. In college, professors often won't remind you of what is due soon. Once or twice a week, check your syllabi to make sure there isn't anything coming up that you've missed, or if you have some free time you can start working on things due in the future.
5) Surround yourself with supportive people.
I really have great friends and family who understand my hectic life and understand if I can't be with them or I have to do my work while I'm with them. If I was around people who got angry with me, it would cause lots of stress knowing that my loved ones were mad at me. If you are around people who don't understand your busy schedule maybe try to surround yourself with those who do.
6) Get sleep!
This is probably the most important tip, at least for my own life. No matter how much work you have to do, if you have to get up early the next morning, go to bed. I used to just stay up until I got all my work done, but this, for me at least, made me much less productive during the day and made me even more behind.
These are just a few tips for how to create balance in your very hectic life. Take care of yourself and good luck this semester everyone!
