This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Utah chapter.
With the semester over halfway through and homework in full swing, it constantly feels like there is never enough time. With school, work, volunteering, clubs, and a social life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While collegiettes are quite familiar with sleepless nights, here are some tips to survive the whirlwind and save your beauty sleep.
1. Make a list.
Getting organized is the key to effective time management. Once you see everything you have to get done all in one spot, suddenly the chaos in your mind becomes doable. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than checking things off a list.
2. Prioritize
Let’s be honest, here: all homework is not made equal. Seriously, that 5-page research paper is more important than reading every line in that chapter of the Iliad. Sometimes, you’ve just got to skim. You can always go back and reread later, but for now, take advantage of SparkNotes. Let me make one thing clear: this is not permission to be lazy. Try to sneak in those pages in between classes if at all possible. However, if it’s the night before your Chemistry midterm and you’re doing a 5-point extra credit assignment, you’ve got to check your priorities. That goes for extra curriculars too. The cutie from Calc will just have to wait until after your ASUU meeting.
3. Take A Break.
This may sound counterproductive, but you can’t go all out 24/7 unless you want to burn out. Do something that makes you happy. Watch Netflix, read a book, listen to music—just relax for a little while. Trust me, you’ll feel totally refreshed and ready to get back to work. Try not to fall asleep, though, because that can mess with your sleep schedule. However, if a nap is inevitable, keep it under 30 minutes to avoid drowsiness.
4. Start And End The Day With Good Intentions.
Make yourself a priority. Take a few deep breaths, do some stretches, some quick yoga couldn’t hurt, and fill your mind with positivity. If it’s the start of the day, resolve to do your best. If it’s the end of the day, recognize your strengths rather than your weaknesses in fulfilling your goals. There’s always tomorrow.
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help.
If you’re really struggling, talk to your professors, go to a tutoring center, form a study group, or confide in a fellow classmate. There’s no shame in admitting that you’ve got too much on your plate. Professors will sometimes give extensions, and advisors and tutors can help you find time. Who knows? It might not be as hard as you thought it was.
College is not easy, but you can do it. Busy weeks can’t last forever, and at the end, you’ll figure out that you can handle more than you thought. Don’t forget to treat yourself when it’s over!