This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Molloy chapter.

MIDTERMS. ETHICS PAPERS. TERM PAPERS. PROJECTS.

How could simple words stress college students so much?

I honestly believe that students become more stress-prone as they get older, especially during the college years. During college, this is the time where you are learning to become independent individuals. No more help from mommy and daddy. Even if you still live with your family, you are still learning to maintain your life. The big stress is balancing the main three, school, sleep, and social life, (and sometimes work). Students today are struggling to balance the main three, but I may have a bit of advice that could help you manage your life.

Agendas. I know, they might be a hassle, because why write in an agenda when you can put it on your phone or just “remember” it. Well, if you use your phone as an agenda, there might be a chance that you won’t remember to add notifications for when assignments are due. Also, it’s easy to say that you’ll remember when something is due, but as soon as the time comes, it will slip your mind and you will begin stressing out. Agendas are lifesavers. Not only will it help you remember things that need to get done, but it also helps relieve some stress. How? Well, when you write out all the things that need to get done, it gives you a better picture of how much work you need to do, as well as helping decide on which assignment you need to tackle on first.

Next advice, fix your sleep schedule. Lack of sleep can cause stress and it is unhealthy for your physical health, as well as your mental health. I recommend trying to go to sleep around the same time every night, and waking up around the same time every morning. That way, your body can adjust to a routine and you’ll feel more able to tackle on a day.

Finally, I would just say, plan ahead and push through. In the end, it’s all about how you stay organized, stay on top of your duties, and manage your priorities. As mentioned, an agenda is a blessing and is a great tool to help you visualize what needs to get done. Getting a decent amount of sleep, and especially at the same time every night will, in the end, benefit your physical and mental health. And whenever you start to feel that procrastination thoughts swarming over your head, just take a deep breath and push through. Do your assignments/responsibilities now than later, because later will be pushed to “later” or “soon”, and nothing will get done.