As college students, the pressure to get things done is often overbearing. Responsibilities pile up fast and it is easy to get absorbed in your jam-packed routine, so absorbed that time flies by and sometimes getting the sense that you've missed out. I've reached this point in the semester: because it is past the halfway mark, I imagine my schedule will be this busy until mid-December when winter break begins. But in no way will I allow stress to take me under... um... starting now.
It is obvious to say young adults experience periods of tremendous stress, particularly in a college setting. But addressing that stress can be a challenge, one that might be swept under the rug in the midst of checking things off a never-ending to-do list. Even so, I've realized recently, more than ever before, the importance of time management in relation to keeping a positive mindset. So the following tips I've written in part for my own benefit, but I think they can apply to everyone.
1. Make time for family.
Don't forget to call, to visit on weekends and to celebrate birthdays. While your family understands how college students function in their chaotic lives, you're never "too busy" for the people you love.
2. Try not to multitask.
It is better to do one task wholeheartedly than to do several in a slacking manner. One thing at a time.
3. Make time to eat / sleep / be a person.
Emphasis on "be a person." It is easy to feel bogged down and incapable of handling everything that you are faced with. Sometimes though, it's okay to be incapable: you are one person and there is only so much time in a day. Don't let your academic obligations or other activities keep you from taking care of yourself. (Easier said than done when you have to stay up all night writing a 10-page paper. But still. Make the effort.)
4. Prioritize assignments.
I recommend keeping a planner, writing yourself Post-It notes and/or making short term, realistic goals for each day.
5. Maintain a social life to the best of your ability.
It's hard. It's hard to stay in touch with everybody while you're running around taking care of other responsibilities. Your true friends will understand if you have too much homework to hang out some nights — conflicting schedules are often unavoidable. Nevertheless, allow yourself some fun. Make time for the people who matter.
6. When you're stressed, step back and breathe.
Literally. Simply step back, take some deep breaths, and do the best you can. At the end of the day, there's no point in worrying over the grade you could've gotten, or that meeting you missed, or that text you never sent, or whatever. Wherever you are in college, whatever life path you're pursuing, and no matter how frustrating and exhausting your daily routine becomes, you are going to be okay. Remind yourself of that.
