If you're like me, every little thing stresses you out. I never used to be like this and some days I wish I still wasn't. At the same time if you are a worrier it could be a good thing. A new mantra I tell myself that it's a good thing to be stressed because it means you care. The middle of the semester is the busiest time: midterms, extra credit assignments, starting final projects. This is the time that all-nighters start adding up and coffee is more than just a boost of energy. . . it's a lifeline. Your social life goes up in smoke and all you want is to build a blanket fort and watch Disney movies for a solid 48 hours. I hate to break it to you, but that is not a possibility. Instead of reverting into a child, take a deep breath and read one, or all, of the following tips for a less stressful week.
Wake up early. When you're stressed, the last thing you want to do is wake up at the crack of dawn but studies prove that people are more productive in the morning. Going hand in hand with waking up early, eat a nutritious breakfast, drink a BIG glass of water, and skip the coffee. I recommend drink green tea instead; it will still give you energy but without the jitters. Next organize your work space so that it decluttered and bright. By accomplishing a few small tasks right when you wake up like making your bed or folding your laundry you will feel 10x better. This will also set you up for a productive day.
Make a list. Or if you're like me, make multiple lists. If I don't write down what I need to accomplish then I'm a complete scatterbrain. I make a to-do list and I make a schedule of my day. I include my class, meals, and work time in that list. For me, having a schedule makes me procrastinate LESS. Lists also are beneficial because scratching something off is the best feeling in the world.
Exercise. I guarantee you have time and it will recenter your brain. This is a great thing to do as a study break. It clears your head and is a wonderful form of therapy. My exercise of choice is running. There's something so rewarding about completing that first mile. This will continue your theme of your day of feeling productive. And in the words of Elle Woods, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't kill their husbands." Or their professors. (They just don't.)
Put your phone on airplane mode. This is a big step, but I promise you it will keep you more focused. When your phone lights up with 10 texts, 6 snapchats, and 3 missed calls it's going to stress you out more. You're going to be thinking "Oh my gosh I'm missing something important." (In reality it's probably your best friend sending you dog videos.) If you need to ease into this step gradually check it every hour as a 5 minute study break. But make sure you keep track of time. 5 minutes can turn into 50 really quick.
Get enough sleep. This might sound counterproductive to my first point, but just because you get up earlier doesn't mean you are still pulling all nighters. Your morning productivity taking the place of walking home from the library at 1 in the morning. Get to sleep no later than 10:00. Before bed, take a few deep breaths and try meditating. Count your heartbeats, control your breathing, and reflect on how accomplished your day was. This will end your day on a good note and set you up for a cheerful morning.
