Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash
We are now over two weeks into November which means we are officially on the downslide of 2018. The next 6 weeks are going to be a blur of Thanksgiving, holiday shopping, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years Eve and then finally 2019. It can seem a bit daunting and stressful. You might be wondering where the time went and how are you going to get everything done before the holidays. On top of it all there is finals to worry about.
Over the last few years, I have gotten used to juggling all the responsibilities that come with being a college student during the busiest time of the year, and I am here to share my best tips with you.
1. Don’t panic
Classes, a job, a social life and sleeping a decent amount each night can seem like too much, but the worst thing to do to yourself is to panic and stress over it all. Relax, breathe and take a second to yourself.
2. Write everything out
When it feels like everything’s coming up on a deadline and I can’t find a way out, I like to write down everything I need to get finished and when it needs to be done. This helps me remember everything I need to do so I don’t forget it under my pile of other responsibilities. This also helps me see when everything is due and when I can have moments to myself.
3. Don’t forget to schedule time for yourself
The absolute worst thing you can do when you are feeling overwhelmed is not allowing yourself to do things you love. Look at your list you made and recognize that there is time to relax. Take 15 minutes here or there to take a step back. You’ll feel more refreshed and focused when you go back to everything you need to work on. After all, everything might seem stressful now but you’ll look back and wonder why you tried to break yourself over that quiz.
Image via Fashion Gone Rouge
4. Spend time with friends
While spending time alone and relaxing is important, so is spending time with others. Text a friend to study over a cup of coffee. Even if you aren’t in the same class, simply finding another person to study with can keep you (and them) on track. Also, studying is more fun with others and there’s a built-in buddy that can quiz you on what you learned.
5. Enjoy the end of the year
College can make it hard to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year, but don’t let that stop you. Life moves absolutely too fast for us to put our heads down and push through. Look around and appreciate it all before it flies on by.