The beginning of a new school year is always stressful. Maybe even more stressful than finals for some. As my years at George Washington progress, it is natural for me to want to throw as much on my plate as I can balance: jobs, internships, classes, social life, boyfriend, etc.. Unfortunately, I am not Wonder Women, as much as I wish I was, and everything can be overwhelming! With the semester being over half way done, I have discovered a few ways to help me stay calm, and still able to do all the things I love!
1. Have a Planner
My freshman-self thought I could retain all the meetings, homework assignments, and sorority events without a planner. Boy, I was wrong. This year I have an intense planner. Color coordinated and everything! Cute right?? Seeing a planner that is so beyond organized is the most satisfying feeling and knowing that I won’t miss anything is even better! Some amazing (and insanely cute) planner recommendations are Lily Pulitzer planners and Erin Condren Planners.
2. Time Batching
If you know me, you know I am obsessed with Lauryn Evarts, the creator of the blog The Skinny Confidential. She inspired me with the concept of “time batching.” Basically, it is a time management hack that enables you to concentrate completely on the same things together at the same time. For example, I am a teaching assistant for a business class, so I have all my meetings with my students on Mondays. On Fridays, I save all my internship applications, and those afternoons are reserved for cover letter writing. This allows me to have a consistent week flow when I am completing everything.
3. Taking Detailed Notes During Class.
As crazy I am about having a color coordinated and organized looking planner, I am even crazier about having notes for my classes! Nothing is better than doing homework or studying for a test and being able to look back at your notes and finding exactly what you need in the exact place you thought it would be! As much as you think you will remember what your professor is saying in class, you probably won’t. Your grades will rise, and so will your confidence in class! Applications like Pages on any Mac or Evernote will help!
4. SLEEP. SLEEP. SLEEP
I know this is the millionth time you have probably heard this, but sleep is crucial. I always make sure I sleep at least 8 hours. I physically cannot function without sleep and it will ruin my whole day or even week! My ability to take 5 classes, TA one class, work at SoulCycle, be in a sorority and still find time to hang out with my friends, is all because I am awake enough to do it! Spray your pillow with lavender mist, drink some chamomile tea, and play some relaxing music right before your trying to get some Z’s.
6. Feed your body!
I am a foodie. I love food. My passion for food has led me to choose a minor in nutrition science, as I enjoy fueling my body with amazing foods to be able to perform the best I can every day! As important as sleep, if your body is fueled with healthy whole foods, you will feel energized. Having an intense schedule make you forget to eat or choose fast choices that aren’t always the best. Always having fresh fruit or healthy snacks like Biena Chickpeas, cut up veggies, or Chobani Yogurtin hand allows you to stay on the go, and eat healthy.
School is hard, it even feels impossible sometimes… But taking the time to go through these little self-help rituals will keep you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything that comes along during your day.