Let's face it, adulting isn't nearly as easy as everyone makes it out to be. The glamorous ideal of eating three balanced meals, having more than $5 in your savings account, and getting all your homework done with enough time to sleep is unobtainable in the real word. However, it is important to hold yourself together with the shards of a broken dream around you. Follow these simple steps so your life looks more together, and you feel better put together.
1. Prioritize
No, this doesn't mean placing Netflix over the rest of your responsibilities, as tempting as it may be. Rather, it means writing down a list of tasks that need to be completed and placing emphasis the most important ones. For example, you definitely need to do the assignment due tomorrow, but baking cookies can probably wait. Long lists are scary, but shorter lists of important tasks created from those long lists look less imposing and make you feel better about getting things done.
2. Sleep, don't weep
So much time is wasted freaking out about the things that need to get done. Imagine how much rest you missed out on just because you shed a couple stress-induced tears? When life and your responsibilities are suffocating you in pressure, be strong enough to walk away from it and take a break, even consider taking a nap. It's never easy balancing school, sleep, and other extracurriculars but I promise you it is so much easier if you're not sleep deprived.
3. Diss the distractions
I promise you are not as good of a multitasker as you think you are. Netflix and school work require two completely different mindsets, and should not be mixed together. Texting and reading text are not nearly as related as they sound. Sometimes you just need to take a break from technology to concentrate on the tasks at hand. This means turning off your phone and turning on your brain. Your GPA will thank you.
4. Take care of yourself
Mentally, emotionally, and physically. Make sleep a priority, and try to eat foods that don't make you hate yourself. Pizza rolls are never a bad idea, but are they the best idea? Plan meals in advance and use the food prep time to take a mental break from reality. Yes, you have homework, but your stomach needs some attention as well. Stimulate your mind not only with homework, but also with things that interest you. Look at art, read "The Odyssey" posts, or peruse a book you aren't assigned for class.
5. Manage your time, manage your life
There is a reason that so many people preach about time management, it is ridiculously important. Set aside time for everything you need to do in a day so you're not cramming it in at the very end. It's okay to procrastinate sometimes, but it's better to have a habit of preemptive planning. You need time to study, time to shower, time to sleep, and even time to binge Netflix. Plan every moment and try your hardest to follow through. Moments invested in something prevent an excess of wasted time.
6. Save money, save yourself
Existing is expensive. Sometimes it feels as if breathing is costing you something. Save money when you can, while remembering that it's okay to treat yourself. It is nice to be able to make a purchase without checking your bank. You can save money on little things. Buy a medium coffee instead of a large, or go halfsies on a pizza with a friend. You'll be surprised how little you need to spend to maintain yourself.
The bottom line is that life is hard, but you don't need to be so hard on yourself. Figure out what works for you, and stick with that. Don't fall into bad habits, but start working now towards a long-term string of achievements.
