Time management in college is crucial. However, being an expert in time management is easier said than done. We have so many responsibilities, obligations, and assignment deadlines to juggle. It is easy to feel like we are drowning in everything we have to do, and the light at the end of the tunnel seems very, very far away. I, for one, suck at time management (which is why I need this article as much as the next person). It goes something like this:
While it might not be possible to completely eliminate the stresses of college, they can be alleviated. When I start to feel like I am being buried alive by my responsibilities, I take a step back and think about how to best manage my time. These are a few of the many foolproof ways to ensure that you have excellent time management when the going gets tough:
Prioritize.
Prioritizing is important when it comes to getting what you need to get done, done. If there is a five point homework assignment due Friday, but there is also a huge test on Wednesday, it is much more beneficial to study for the test before thinking about the homework. When looking at what needs to be done at the beginning of the week, rank each item from top to lowest priority so you know you will get the top priority assignments done and over with first.
Write it all down.
Writing everything down, whether in a planner or as a list, is a huge help. Even the little "to-do's" can be stressful so write those down too. After you have prioritized what needs to be done, record everything in that order so that you will not forget. Nothing keeps us more organized than putting our thoughts onto paper. Not to mention, it feels great when we get to cross off assignments.
Allow yourself to have breaks.
Although allowing yourself to have breaks might seem counterproductive, your body needs them. After studying for hours, your mind can start to lose focus, which means you are not doing anything for yourself anyway. Go to the gym, grab some food with friends, or watch an episode of Netflix. Do something to relax, then when that is over, jump back into your work.
Wake up earlier or stay up later.
If you have been drowning in assignments on top of everyday responsibilities, waking up early to get a head start on everything will make a difference. We are also more productive in the mornings, which will reflect on how much work gets done. If you do not have class until later the next day, staying up a little later can help as well. Just be sure not to tire yourself out.
Breathe.
The most important tip regarding time management is to breathe. I cannot stress this one enough, as I am guilty of becoming insanely overwhelmed too. We become so overwhelmed that instead of doing something about it, we allow ourselves to get stressed out to the point where we shut down. The next time you feel overwhelmed with your assignments and schedule, take a second to step back and breathe.
College is not impossible. There have been many people before you who have gotten through it, and there will be many people after you who will get through it as well. Although some weeks feel like the end of the world because of your busy schedule and endless assignments, you will get out on the other side. Remember to prioritize, write it all down, take breaks, get a head start and most importantly, breathe.
