Okay, I will add a disclaimer right from the jump: I am no expert at this. In fact, I have been seriously struggling with this recently. I’ve never had a massively busy schedule until this Spring Quarter, which has genuinely been chaotic. In addition to a full class schedule, I am a member of the CWU Theater Ensemble and an Orchesis Dance Company member (if you wanna read all about that, read my article about CWU Orchesis Dance Company here: https://www.hercampus.com/school/cwu/restarting-dance-in-my-20s-cwu-orchesis-dance-company/).
Despite my anxiety rising because of all the chaos, I managed to keep it low with several helpful techniques.
1. Keep your Calendar Updated
I used to be so bad about updating my calendar. I used to go with the flow and rely on the fact that most of my classes had something to do with each activity I was involved in and therefore, I never really missed anything. This year, however, is a different story. I’ve found that with such a busy schedule, having an updated calendar as a reminder and layout of everything you have going on in a day, that week, or in a month, is one of the best things to keep your schedule and your mind organized. Find yourself worrying about if you’re gonna miss something you may have forgotten about? Updating your calendar can help! This is also hugely helpful for figuring out when you have free time (even though sometimes it may feel like you have none).
2. Having a Planner
Keeping an updated planner is so helpful in regards to your school schedule. I know that I tend to rely too heavily on the to-do feature on Canvas, but this leads to me not seeing future assignments, which of course leads to me cramming or rushing to finish bigger assignments. The good thing about planners is they keep track of that week and also that month. Laying out what you have to do that week and when your deadlines are can be a huge help.
3. Reading your Syllabus
This one should be a given, but not enough people actually look at the syllabi provided in their classes. Most of the time, the key to surviving your individual classes is found there! From the expectations in class to the due dates for every assignment, the syllabus is your cheat sheet to prepare and get through the class. I also make sure to pay attention to the attendance policy to see if there are days that I can sacrifice a class or two for an extra hour of studying or sleep (if need be). Additionally, learning what tools you can use in class is important. For example, I can use a single flashcard on my reading quizzes in my Great American Trials class which saves me from a couple of hours of quizlet. Also, if you accidentally miss an assignment, knowing what that teacher’s policy is for late work or makeup assignments can be a huge stress reliever.
4. Set Aside Time for Yourself!
Above all, you need to take care of yourself. Being selfish and choosing that extra couple hours of classes rather than going out with your friends can be the be-all, end-all when it comes to keeping anxiety and stress at bay. Taking the time to do your skincare each night or to take a relaxing bath after a hard day is so important for your mental and physical health. Or, if your way to work on self-improvement is going and working out like mine is, then schedule a time to do it!
I know this all sounds like a lot, but setting yourself up for success is the best thing you can do for yourself. Having the tools to have a balanced schedule while staying mentally fit is life-changing, believe me. And, as I said, I am not always the best at all of these things, but speaking from experience, using these recommendations really does help a ton. Just try your best and do what’s right for you and your schedule.
I believe in you!