Being in college means having a lot on your plate most of the time. Things like sorority or fraternity commitments, clubs, classes, even just maintaining friendships can take up a lot of time and cause a crazy amount of stress. Luckily, I've found a pretty good system to getting yourself back on track when the stress from college just seems like way too much.
1. First thing's first, isolate all the issues you’re having.
Maybe you have three tests next week or maybe an essay that you were given the rubric for three months ago is due at midnight. Whatever problems you’re having, sit and write them down so you can start sorting them out.
2. After all that writing, you should probably make a snack.
Everyone knows that food is imperative to being able to get things done. Maybe get yourself an apple and peanut butter, a sandwich or maybe even an entire tub of Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream. No one said it had to be healthy.
3. During your snack, figure out times to start working on things.
After you made a list of everything you need to get done, try to figure out times to do everything in between bites of your snack. Don’t forget to add break times; you don’t want to overwork yourself.
4. This has taken at least 30 minutes — time to take a Netflix break.
You’ve already made time for everything, so why not treat yourself to a little break? Relax by watching an episode or two of your favorite Netflix show. Maybe even just watch the entire season so you don’t forget anything that has happened. This is totally healthy and can only help reduce your stress.
5. Now that you’re all rested, it’s time to start working on that list.
Look at the first thing on your list, and get to work on it! There is a very good chance that the first thing on the list might be something like “make yourself another snack,” and if that’s the case, go ahead and do it! You’ll feel the stress disappearing when you’re able to cross at least one thing off!
6. After getting to work, maybe take a break to talk to that friend you haven’t seen in years.
7. After chatting for a few hours, take another peek at your list, and remember to stay calm!
Number two is usually something important, like finishing that essay that’s due at midnight. That’s OK though, because at this point you are as relaxed as ever!
8. Take a look at the clock, 10:30 p.m.? No big deal! You're a pro at handling stressful situations by now.
Just get to work on that essay! The time crunch won’t worsen your stress, you’ll find that it actually helps you get work done faster and more efficiently. Sure the paper might be a minimum of 14-pages, but at least it’s double spaced! And remember, even if it looks like a disaster, at least you still have your snacks!
9. When you’re about one page away from finishing, answer that call from your bestie.
They know you’ve been working hard all day and think you need a break, so when they invite you to go out for the night, say yes! Its 11:50 p.m. anyway, I’m sure the professor will understand if the essay isn’t COMPLETELY done and has a few spelling errors here and there. Besides, now you actually know how to deal with stress so this will never happen again! Right?
