I am currently juggling about 700 tasks. At least that's how it feels. No matter how much I take on or the amount of time that I invest in working, I still feel as though I haven't accomplished one bit. And that is both a crappy and tiresome feeling.
We are nearing the end of the semester, as terrifying as that sounds. This period of time is what I like to call "hell on earth". For some ungodly reason, every single professor on every single campus has taken it upon themselves to throw every single gigantic assignment that they could possibly think up at us over the next few weeks. Stressful is an understatement. On top of this, we've got breaks and holidays that most of us cannot even come to enjoy because of how incredibly stressed we truly are. Which sucks. Hopefully, you aren't feeling too bogged down by all of the looming assignments, exams, papers, interviews, and whatever else there is to do in the upcoming few weeks. If you ARE feeling a little worse for the wear, here are some calming tips to help you get through the rough times ahead:
1. Music
Back in high school, where everything seemed so difficult and terrifying and I truly thought I was always drowning in work(LOL just wait pre-college Emily, just wait), I could listen to music while doing just about anything and concentrate away. Ever since my start in college, I've found that concentration goes right out the window when nearly any noise is in the background. Needless to say, dorm life freshman year was a difficult environment to get anything done in. Searching through Spotify like the true music nerd I am, I came across a band named This Will Destroy You (ominously named and oddly suiting how I sometimes feel about my semester's assignments and work load). The band mainly produces instrumental music that, in my opinion, is amazingly capable of making people focus and also stimulate thinking. Their nearly 12-minute song, "The Mighty Rio Grande", is probably my most listened to song on Spotify and has helped me fly through many a paper and assignment throughout my three years in school.
Even if you are not super into primarily instrumental music, I highly encourage you to listen to SOMETHING that helps you to focus on your work. Music has the fantastic capability to truly stimulate the mind and get us thinking. Utilize that fact.
2.Library time
HOLY. CRAP. Listen. I never went to the library as a freshman. Maybe like twice to meet people for projects but never to actually work. My grades were fine but not being able to actually focus while in my living space definitely took a toll on them in some ways. Throughout the past year and a half, I have been dedicating several hours a week to some kind of library time, whether it be between classes, on a Sunday afternoon, or in the evening when I'm feeling particularly restless and unfocused, the library has helped me to actually get work done time and time again (go figure). Time at the library is ESPECIALLY important over exam week. It gets incredibly crowded but I cannot emphasize enough the difference it makes on your concentration levels. Try it out at the very least!
3.BREAKS BREAKS BREAKS
Breaks are incredibly important too, of course. That netflix episode or maybe even movie or game you've been thinking about playing all day doesn't have to be thrown on the back burner forever. In fact, taking a break will give your mind and brain a little bit of time to recover from the serious amount of work that you're doing. Break time is good! IN MODERATION. Don't go giving up on your work entirely. Give yourself a little bit of down time and then it is back to the books.
4. Take care of yourself
That means feeding yourself, getting that shower in, and giving yourself some time to recoup by sleeping. Our health is very important and, though we are in the "prime age" of our lives, we are not invincible and need to take care of ourselves. Make sure you are staying hydrated, getting the nutrients that you need, running a brush through your hair every once in a while, taking a quick shower even when you feel that you have no time, and sleeping for a decent amount of time.
5. You time
These last few points seem to blend a little but it is super important to take time for yourself. Your whole life may seem as though it revolves around your school work but I can guarantee you that taking some time to even simply walk around campus or go to the rec or anything won't make you bomb your classes. You deserve a little bit of time dedicated to not having to worry about your education and, instead, focusing on what color you're going to paint your nails or what video game you're about to demolish or whatever it may be. You are important so don't let school completely overtake you.
Classes may seem like they are completely suffocating us and you may feel as though you just can't go on but I promise you that you will be okay and you will make it through these last few weeks of the semester and conquer the hell out of it. Good luck! We're all right here with you!
