As students, school at times can feel overwhelming in itself. Whether it be having to time-manage your days or the struggles of physically attending class, school is a heavyweight. Though, when adding other factors such as a part-time job, internship, or any other extracurricular, that weight can quickly feel unbearable. Here are five easy tips and tricks you can fit into your life when your schedule seems like too much.
1. Stay Present
One of the most common mistakes we make is getting ahead of ourselves. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed as the tasks of the future seem as though there are too many to tackle. Take breaths, be present, and remind yourself that at this moment you have the full and total control.
2. Time management/ planners
Managing your time and investing in a planner may be one of the best ways to cope with stress. Having a planner aids in time management as it can aid in directing the amount of time you spend on particular tasks. Not only that, time management helps in keeping your goals set, establishing priorities, staying organized, and most of all relieving some stress! I have personally had a planner since I started 6th grade, and let me say, it’s the reason I’ve been able to get through school and is a great way to manage all your activities so you never miss events or deadlines.
3. Get outside
When it comes down to it, one of the best ways to manage stress is getting outdoors. Even if you take a five minute break from your computer to stand outside, get some fresh air, and stretch your legs, your mind and body will thank you. If for any reason you’re unable to go outside for a break, even a quick rest and refresh indoors will serve you well. Maybe make some tea– or your 3rd cup of coffee if you’re like me–or grab a little snack, even a glass of water. Just do something for yourself and your body. Taking breaks is known to improve your memory, give a little energy boost, reduce stress, improve heath, and increase your overall productivity, performance, and creativity.
4. Give yourself credit
While staying busy and juggling school, work, and other activities is very admirable, it’s also tiring. When you feel burnt out, know that this is okay and you don’t need to be grinding 24/7. We’ve grown up being told to basically work until you break, but this isn’t what we should do in practice. Know your efforts are valid and your constant work will pay off, but they might not if you push yourself too far. Keep in mind that it also isn’t necessarily about how many things you do, but the amount of true effort you put in along with your own enjoyment. In essence, through all the stress, take the time to give yourself a pat on the back and acknowledge your worth.
5. Rest, Sleep, Eat
You may be looking at the words ‘rest’ and ‘sleep’ and think, aren’t these the same? Sorry, but no. We know sleep is extremely important. Getting a good night’s sleep will give you the energy and productivity to tackle the days’ tasks, as not getting enough sleep can affect our memory as well as mood. However, rest is equally important and can be whatever you want, as long as you’re enjoying it and getting some form of downtime where you aren’t constantly worried about other tasks. Meditation is a great way to relax and get some rest while also allowing you to relieve some stress and anxiety. Exercise is also another great way to get some rest time, although it sounds like an oxymoron. Exercising can help clear your mind and after a day of working your mind during school and work, it’s also important to work your body so when it’s time to sleep, both your mind and body are ready to drift off.
Most Important: Do what feels right to you
These tips are some of the main ways I, myself, stay organized and level-headed when everything starts to feel a little too much, but if they don’t work for you, that’s okay! Everyone is different and we all have our own unique ways of dealing with stress. Though if you ever find your usual tactics to cope with stress aren’t quite doing it anymore, remember these five tips. Stay present, try a planner, get some outdoor air, always give yourself credit for your efforts, and don’t forget to nourish your body and mind by getting enough downtime, sleep, and yummy foods.