It’s midnight on a Monday and you’re just getting started. You still have three items on my to-do list…due next Wednesday, but you have time right? Of course, you don’t have class until noon, so that’s a full twelve hours to do more work, make another to-do list and maybe squeeze a little bit of sleep in there somewhere…right?
If the above description is you, you may be a workaholic. If you’re a workaholic, you may relish in making long to-do lists detailing work that needs to be done and may either be due for the next day or a week in advance. You may simply feel as though you cannot stop doing work, whether it be homework or for a job or internship.
While it’s great to be on time and not procrastinate, sometimes working incessantly can have negative impacts on your health—such as lack of sleep and high rates of stress. Here are some tips to help you chill out a little bit!
1. Make a To-do List Before Bed.
It may be tempting to keep your old to-do list where you’ve proudly crossed off 1 through 7 and still have 5 more left, I’d suggest making a new one completely. Although some items may be crossed off, the list may still appear long. Making a new to-do list will help you start fresh the next morning and it may give you a peace of mind to see a shorter list heading your way.
2. And Make a List of Accomplishments
On that same vein, make a list of accomplishments before bed to remind yourself of everything you did. Did you finish that essay you were working on? Great! Study for your exams next week? Awesome! Don’t forget to even acknowledge the little kind things you did that don’t pertain to work. Maybe you helped your friend through a break-up. That’s awesome too! Accomplishments don’t always have to be work-related.
3. Get Moving
Working out is a great for a lot of things and relieving stress is one of those things. If you MUST do work, then I suggest bringing some flashcards to the gym while you run on the treadmill to study for your upcoming exam. As you run, you’ll be releasing a lot of happy hormones that while definitely relax you for your upcoming exam and you will also get a bit of studying in!
4. Set Study Hours…And a Bed Time.
Give yourself set study hours. If you get out of class at 4 o’clock, get yourself to the library, but tell yourself you must leave at 6:30 to get dinner. Don’t allow this to make you rush through your list, but pinpoint a few things on your to-do list to get done in those two and a half hours. Furthermore, set a bed time and a routine. Always read before bed or listen to some calming music. If you get into that routine, you will begin to feel tired around your bed time and have an easier time shutting down and going to sleep.
5. Unplug.
It pains me as well, but you have to put down your phone at some point and turn off your computer. If I have my phone on me, I’m bound to try and do some kind of work on it—usually writing articles in notes. However, I’ve begun making rules for myself, such as when I’m with my partner, hanging out or watching a movie, my phone has be turned off and in my bag. Set times you must be unplugged, such as during meals or at least an hour before bed.
6. Tell Yourself That It’s Okay
This is the hardest one, but you have to do it. Every day and often. Tell yourself you’re doing great and it’s okay not to be doing work 24/7. Form a support system of your loved ones to help you out in reminding yourself that you can’t do everything…but you’re doing a pretty great job.