As I reflect on this past year, I continue to come back to the thought of how much I had going on: school, extracurriculars, and life in general. I continue to ask myself how exactly I have managed to push through the obstacles and balance my responsibilities. I have developed skills and strategies useful for juggling everything going on without realizing it, and I think it’s important to spread the wealth.
- Keep a Calendar
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The very first thing that I do every morning when I wake up is check my calendar. I would probably lose my mind without it. I always make sure to write out my week on Sundays so that I am prepared and don’t miss anything. This is a great way to keep track of responsibilities and ensuring that you are able to reach everything. I also find it helpful to color code, having a different color for classes, clubs, self-care, etc. This way it is visibly appealing and easy to read.
- Plan Out Free Blocks of Time
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When I sit down to write my calendar I ALWAYS schedule out blocks of time to just sit and do work. Whether its homework, writing my Her Campus article (wink wink), or answering emails, it is essential to leave blocks of time open to be productive.
- Take a Break
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I am the worst at allowing myself to take breaks. I will always sit in front of my computer until my eyes start to close. I have learned that this is extremely unproductive and that my body will eventually hit a point of exhaustion and quality of work will be poor. Little breaks to take some time for self-care can make a world of difference and allow your brain to recharge.
- Breathe
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This is my most important tip of all. Remember to breathe. Having many responsibilities can get overwhelming and daunting. When these feelings begin to consume you, it is important to take a deep breath, take a step back, and return to your highly organized schedule you made to set yourself up for success. In moments like these, practicing short five minute meditations can be extremely effective in calming the nerves.
I encourage you to take a look at how amazing you are and acknowledge that things aren’t going to be easy. Simple methods like these can make all the difference when it comes to keeping track of responsibilities, especially as an overwhelmed college student!