We all know how stressful classes can be with all the assignments due each week -- it only gets harder when you start taking upper-division classes and graduation slowly approaches. Something as simple as making sure dinner is taken care of, or that you finished your homework at a reasonable time, makes for the best feeling. You have so much free time (or as much free time as a college student can ever have) and you can finally do something you actually want to do or just sit back and relax at the end of the day. By incorporating these helpful tips into your daily life, your school life will become a lot less stressful:
1. Create an assignment sheet.
This is really helpful. I made one this quarter, and it has helped me remember when I have assignments due or appointments I need to attend. It is so much easier to look at rather than constantly shuffling through all of your syllabi. Every time I turn in an assignment, I highlight what has been completed. The more color I see, the more I have finished. I become more organized, and have a little fun doing it. (The act of checking something off of your list is surprisingly satisfying.)
2. Budget your socializing time and homework time wisely.
You might have that major paper due in a few days, but you want to go get a drink or two at the bar with your friends. That's why you write the majority of your paper as soon as possible, and spend the next day or two finishing it off and editing it. Pacing yourself lifts a little weight off your shoulders and still gives you time to guiltlessly enjoy yourself.
3. Give yourself some downtime.
Designate a time in your day where you can just unwind. It could be a nice long bubble bath to some calming music, or a nice movie in some jammies. Whatever it is, give yourself a couple of hours to forget about school and work -- it really helps.
4. Figure out what your priorities are at the beginning of the day.
Make a list of everything you need to do, and put them in descending order of important. Do first what matters more. A project that is due in two days is way more important than a leisurely shopping trip at the mall. It may be hard to make that decision, but you'll thank yourself later.
5. Make weekly checklists.
In the same vein as number four, make a checklist -- not just for the day, but for the week. I do this often with my homework, and it helps me get things done and keep track of my priorities.
6. Distance yourself from school work with a good book.
Remember when I told you to give yourself some downtime? Try to spend some of that reading a good book -- one that's on the opposite spectrum of your schoolbooks. Give your mind a break every now and then, especially when you're cramming. An overload can hurt the brain with a headache, so keep it active in a much calmer way.
7. Crock pot huge dinners.
Knowing that you have dinner all made is the best feeling ever. When you're really busy -- with school, homework, working -- not having to cook for yourself or worry about stuffing your face with Doritos will make your day so much better.
Thus, with these tips, your life will magically become less stressful and you'll get to enjoy more free time, especially over the weekend. Because who wants to worry about homework on the weekends? Not us.
