OK, I will admit right now I do not have my life all together. However, I haven’t fallen apart into tiny pieces yet, so I’m doing something right. Here are a couple things I’ve done to keep in the general shape of a human and not a pile.
1. To keep from accidentally missing classes, organize a meeting place with a friend or classmate.
Find yourself sleeping through your early morning class a lot? Meet with someone or a group at breakfast or in a lobby in plenty of time before class. Plan that, if anyone from the group doesn’t show up, you'll give them a call or go knock on their door.
2. Write out your schedule and put it on the wall for your roommates.
I fall asleep on the floor in my room all the time. #noshame The roommates I’ve had don’t seem to mind stepping around me. If they walk in and I’m passed out, a glance at the schedule will let them know whether I should be on the floor or in class.
It also helps when they’re wondering where I am. If they know I’m in class, they’ll know not to text me or call me.
3. Keep copies of your homework assignment schedules.
Print off a copy of each homework schedule from each syllabus. Tape them up above your desk or keep them in a folder. Have five different colored highlighters, one for each day of the week. Cross off the assignments when you finish them. When you think, “Tomorrow is Tuesday. What’s due?” all your assignments will be in the same place and highlighted in the same color.
4. Organize your papers.
Paper sorters, letter trays, and all that good stuff. I use magazine holders — one for papers I might save, one for papers I might need later, etc. I also use manila folders to divide up the papers in the magazine holders. It’s a helpful way to keep track of important papers that you’ll need later, so you don’t end up rooting around for them.
5. Whiteboard calendars! Cork boards! Hanging paper organizers! All the things!
I love all the things! Mount them on the wall with some Command strips. Do what it takes to feel organized so you can take the edge of your stress.
6. Take ten minutes every morning to relax and think about nothing.
This might sound like some mystical, spiritual exercise, but it’s not meant to be. It legit helps you think straighter. Build this into your routine. We're all constantly go-go-going, but a little bit of time to relax will help keep the stress levels down throughout the day. Just try it out. I find that I don’t freak out as quickly when I’ve had my daily chill time.
One thing to do while you relax is focus on breathing. Count to four as you breathe in, six as you hold your breath, and seven as you breathe out. If you can’t breathe that slowly, you’re not quite relaxed enough. Start with smaller numbers and work your way up.
Your brain will come up with plenty of distractions. “I can’t forget to tell Sam about the meeting.” “I’ve got to get the laundry done before work.” “I could really go for some fried chicken right now.” Whenever that happens, imagine a box, stick that thought inside it, and shove the box to the side to deal with later. It’s a good visual aid to help you refocus. If you still can't get the thought out, write it down real quick and get back to chilling.
If you’re worried, say something reassuring to yourself over and over. “It’s okay. It's chill. Things are going to work out.” If you believe in God, you can say, "God's got me" or "Jesus, I trust you."
Come up with your own tips and tricks. Little things can make a big difference. Keep on going. Best of luck to you!
