To The Freshman Who Wants To Do Everything, Make Time For Yourself
Start writing a post
Student Life

To The Freshman Who Wants To Do Everything, Make Time For Yourself

You can’t do it all and be happy too.

13
To The Freshman Who Wants To Do Everything, Make Time For Yourself

Freshmen year of college is full of opportunities. Whether it be clubs, Greek life, sports, or one of the million other things to do on campus, there is always something to be involved in.

In high school, I did almost anything a person could do without having a mental breakdown. When I came to college, I thought I could continue doing everything and just carry on about my merry way. That is not the case.

College can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Stress is no joke, and trying to do a thousand different things on top of going to class can take a toll on your mental health. I had to learn how to make time for myself, and that can be hard to do when you're used to focusing on everything else.

The first step is to prioritize things.

Start out by deciding which things you are most passionate about and be sure to keep those in your schedule. What will help you with your future career? What do you love to do? Stick with the organizations and activities which answer these questions. Those are the things you should be focusing on while you're in college, and the organizations here are designed for you specifically to do just that.

Next, manage your time wisely.

Sit down at the beginning of each week and write down everything you have to do that week, including studying and extracurriculars. Make sure you have a relatively regular schedule for eating. I find it really helpful to use a weekly timesheet with hourly blocks so I can see the layout of my week.

Once you've got everything written down, look for gaps. When are you free? What do you like to do during your free time? Fill in these gaps in your schedule with things you find to be fun and relaxing. Maybe hang out with friends or take a shopping trip to the mall (not that I am recommending retail therapy, we are in college, we are poor, use your brain).

After you've had your fun, now it's time to take into account self-care.

Every evening, it is helpful to do one thing that helps clear your mind. Watch TV, watch a movie, journal, read, or do anything that detaches you from the stress of the day. This is super important for getting a good nights sleep.

It can be quite an adjustment to go from doing it all to doing all that you love, but it is worth it. You learn a lot about yourself and your future when you start narrowing down your involvement. It also gives you an important gap to take time for yourself, which should always be a priority.

Without a mentally and physically healthy you, there is no way your college experience will be the happy and healthy one that it has the potential to be.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58290
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37554
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959174
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193214
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments