Stress is a feeling we all feel at some point. The world seems to line up and collide a bunch of things together to give us a headache and leave us overwhelmed. Some weeks we look at our calendar full of tasks and wonder how we can get everything done in the period of seven days.
I've walked through many stressful seasons in my life, but junior year of college has definitely put the whipped cream on top of the sundae (I'm leaving the cherry off so I can put it on for whenever I start doing all the stressful adult things). In between a full load of classes, a job, an internship and a few organizations I have joined, I barely have time to text my friends back. At the moment, I have 20 unread text messages from the week and 200 unread e-mails. This is completely out of character for me because I've always been quick to respond.
The point is, I don't have this whole semester figured out. I've been on-the-go every second for the past few weeks and I'm trying to incorporate organizational habits I have learned from others. Here are a few tips and tricks I have learned in the past few weeks that might help with stress levels and organizational habits.
1. Buy a planner, today.
I've always had a planner in the bottom of my back pack for the weeks that my teachers gathered to agree to bombard me with tests. However, this year, I have learned the beauty of actually using my planner. It has become a necessity to jot down everything that needs to be done. I've found that using a planner instantly makes me feel more organized and helps me feel like I have my act together (even if I don't).
2. Make lists!
There are these people in the world that always seem to have every aspect of their life together, and every single one of them seem to make lists of all the things that need to be done. They make grocery lists, to-do lists, goals lists and anything they could possibly form into a list. I have always been one to laugh at these people because it sounded so ridiculous, but I was wrong to laugh. These lists work. When you write something down, you want to finish it just to cross off the letters you hated writing. Once everything is marked off, you will look at the dozens of lines on a sheet of paper and feel accomplished.
3. Turn off your cell phone, computer or television!
We live in this great world of screens that connect us to other people and entertains us. However, we've all procrastinated on something by using our electronic devices to distract us. Every time I've ever used a device to help me procrastinate, I never fully enjoyed what I was doing. I always had my mind on the essay or test I needed to study for. Turning off my electronic devices and completing everything I needed to do has allowed me to put my best effort into my assignments and lowered stress levels dramatically, so get off your phone! Those social media posts will still be there when you are done!
4. Go on a date... A study date!
This might not work for everyone, but if you are able to work around people, you should! My friends and I meet up to work almost every day. We challenge each other to accomplish what needs to get done. We're each other's accountability partners, so it is allowed to throw the other person's phone when they check Twitter. Sometimes we do hour-long intervals of work and then take a five minute break to watch a funny video or talk. This gives us motivation to work hard for an hour, so that we can hang out for a while after.
5. Find a quiet spot.
There will be moments where you need to study alone. It's so important to find a space that is always quiet and helps you concentrate. This designated spot will do you wonders.
6. Take a day off. Seriously, boo—you deserve it!
Personally, I am the worst at taking days off. I'm constantly feeling like I need to do work, but it's so important to live life and relax. Have a day that you do everything that makes you happy! This day will motivate you to work hard on the other six days so you will not have to stress over anything on that sweet seventh day.
Life is sometimes extremely challenging and we don't know how we will get everything done, but you will! Everything that needs to get done will get done, and you will be okay! Work hard, stay organized and have fun! You got this!
