Recall all that you do in a given day and all the responsibilities you have. Between finishing assignments, going to professors, being with friends, (hopefully) talking to your parents, a bit of procrastination, eating, working out, etc, there's a lot to do. In college, there isn't a doubt there will be that one day of the week where you're running around like a maniac trying to get things done. Seems stressful, right?
There is such thing as good stress and bad stress. Good stress is the feeling that pushes you enough to get your homework done or go to the gym or even spend more time with friends. However, it can build up to the point that it shuts a person down. People run away from their problems (go out more instead of study), sleep or eat a lot, not show up for classes or cut communication with others. Signs of stress are even visible, like grumpiness, bags under eyes, irritability, messy hair and clothes and maybe screaming. It happens. There are times when it gets to be too much and that is okay.
Don't lock up in one area or run away from responsibilities. Combat the pressure with personal time. Plan the day and put aside 30 minutes to an hour of doing anything you want. Put a timer on your phone for an hour, go out, and enjoy yourself. It can be hard to not think about all the work that you have to do, but try. Personal time can be alone or with friends, in your room or out and about. You'll start to loosen up, breathe better and clear your mind. People cannot function without a restorative part of their day; that's why jobs give breaks. Scientists suggest that napping and sleeping are the most efficient way to restore energy and to get back on your A game. Trust me, the paper you were trying to write all day and night would be a lot better if you slept and then came back to it in the morning.
The importance of personal time really matters. The stigma that procrastination is all bad can be a lie. I've seen my friends run around like lunatics going from class to meetings to clubs to sports, and they barely eat or sleep. It takes a toll on them and the quality of the work they do, as well as their mental stability. While college can be stressful and busy, it doesn't have to always be like that. Take time out of the day and relax. Focusing on yourself and your needs is important. If you want the best for yourself and your future, take a moment for yourself. You'll start to see the benefits the more you practice having a little break everyday.
