A single month stands between us and the end of the semester, raise a hand if you are tired and stressed out. It's normal, not always okay, but we can get through it. Sometimes you just have to sit and re-charge in order to re-focus your efforts for maximum payoff.
Stop.
This will probably be the hardest thing to do but take a day where you set homework (assignments that can wait) aside. When you are constantly going and disregarding your mental and physical health, then you get run down. This is when sickness can take hold and then you will likely get nothing done anyway. Do not over exert yourself when you are sick. Stop and take some time to sleep or watch Netflix. Everything will be there tomorrow and one day, where you let yourself have a break, will set you back less then taking a long break and only worrying about what you need to do.
Make time for what makes you happy.
For those who know me, you know tea is my addiction. I will drink tea everyday and I probably have three teas for whatever mood I could possibly be in. Some people have coffee, their favorite Netflix show, and possibly that new best seller you just downloaded on your kindle. Yet Junior year has taught me that when I get extremely stressed out I stop doing what makes me happy. As I was writing this article I realized that I had not made a proper cup of tea in at least 5 or 6 weeks. I didn't even make myself a cup while I was home on spring break, I almost always have one when I make my mom a cup. Something tells me I have been out of sorts for a while.
With this new knowledge, you best bet I went and tried a new tea I got for Christmas. Just the process of making tea put my mind at ease. Never underestimate those little things that make you happy. If you ignore them for too long stress will only burrow further into your mind. Make time and then take it. Whatever it is that makes you smile just a little brighter, go for it.
Okay, now what needs to get done?
So, you have finally taken some time to stop and re-charge, what is next? Let's start small. Do you need to clean out your backpack? Does laundry day need to happen? Should you clean your room so your roommate doesn't get mad? During my college experience I have also learned that the state of my room or backpack is a direct response to how stressed I am. I do not clean when I am stressed I only create the mess. It is amazing what the smell of cleaning products and a clean room can do for you. Once everything is cleaned your mind might not feel so cluttered and it gets easier to sift through all the thoughts that are bouncing around. This is still for you, take some time to de-clutter.
Now to re-focus!
You have a fresh start mentally and in your physical location so let's keep going. Sit down with your planner and class syllabi. Make a chronological list of everything that needs to get done in the next month. Do not forget your extra-curricular and work schedule. It will help to know how much time you actually have to get everything done. The rough draft will always be due before the actual paper, so even though you say there is 3 weeks until the due date that timeline will sink drastically. Lying about your time will only be a detriment. Re-focus, you owe yourself the honesty.
Get ready to beat the semester
One month stands between you and whatever adventures are waiting. Be kind to yourself and take some sort of break before you dig your heels in for the final marathon. Everything will fall into place if you simply believe in your abilities.
