Have you ever been so overwhelmed you just don't know if you can do it anymore? Your schedule is too hectic and you cant help but wonder how to manage all of it and stay motivated? It's hard trying to stay on top of your grades, pay your bills, and maintain a social life. You might just know the feeling all too well. It's hard trying to finish your degree and stay motivated throughout the whole process. I cultivated a list of tips and tricks that help me stay on top of my game.

1. Surround Yourself With Supportive People

This is a great one because if you ever needed some encouraging and someone to remind you of how well you've done in the past. It's good having people that you can vent too. Surrounding yourself with a good support system and people that excel academically and make you yourself want to do well. A supportive person could be family members, a new college friend, a professor, and academic adviser or even friends from high school. Its good to find a support system to help you get through the college years.

2. Set Aside "Me" Time

No matter how busy you get its always good to put away some "me" time. We all need breaks from life and it's healthy to not constantly be surrounded by others. Its OKAY to chill on the couch for awhile and read a book or enjoy a TV show. Good ideas for "me" time would be to take a nap, journal, do arts and crafts, go on a walk, do yoga or go for a swim. Even going to the library alone is relaxing and a great way to get homework done and get motivated.

3.Exercise

Exercising I have found to be one of the best things to do when stressed. Going to the gym or on a run relives a lot of stress and helps you realize your full potential. The feeling after a great work out is one of the greatest feelings because you yourself feel more motivated and confident in yourself.

4. Set Goals

Setting goals for yourself is a great way to get motivated. Make sure the goals are realistic and achievable. Make goals some smaller goals that you are confident you will achieve then some goals that you will have to work harder to complete. Setting the goals will give you something to strive for and if you achieve your goals treat yourself to some ice cream or a mini shopping spree. Setting these goals will ultimately give you a great sense of accomplishment.

5. Create A Comfortable Environment

Your environment can make a huge difference in how motivated you feel.If you aren’t living in a space that is relaxing and comfortable, then how can you expect to stay focused? A well rounded safe environment will make you feel more at ease and more prone to focus at the task at hand.

6. Be Thankful For the Opportunity

A lot of students all over American can't afford to go to college and some choose to work at a lower paying job for the majority of their life. They don't have the same opportunity that you do. Be thankful that you are able to go to college and get a degree that will ultimately land you a great job in later years. Remembering this will help you stay more motivated to keep good grades.