Do you have FOMO? Are you one of those students who feels they have to get involved in everything? There are many of us out there who are pained when we have to pass up an opportunity to take a certain class, join a certain club, volunteer at a certain event, or attend a certain concert or party. Are you constantly writing in your planner and updating your Google calendar to try to squeeze in extracurriculars and socializing on top of your already jam-packed schedule? When two events overlap do you try to split your time between each — popping your head in to make sure you are seen, and running frantically between each? At the end of the day, do you ever feel as though you didn’t even have time to think, let alone text your mom or take off your makeup? Do you go to sleep only to wake up and do it all again the next day, leaving no time for a breather? If so, you are exactly like me.
Here are some tips I have picked up that I hope can help The Person Who Wants To Do Everything:
1. Come to terms with the fact that you will just have to let some opportunities go. Realistically, you cannot do everything. College has so much to offer, and that can get overwhelming. It can be hard to decide what activities you should be involved in or what you should do in your “free time.” As a person who wants to do everything, it can be extremely hard to chose what you want to do the most. But you have to make a choice. The best way to do that is to make a list of the activities you want to do/attend in the upcoming month, and then circle the ones that are most important to you. Try to keep a balance between activities that will you help you academically/intellectually and ones that will make you happy.
2. Understand that it is okay to give up some activities or opportunities. In order to function at your optimal level, it is important to understand that it is okay to give things up. If you are in five organizations on campus but only realistically have time for three, then give two up. If your friends are all going to a concert but you have a midterm the next day at 8 am, decide wisely. You are not a quitter for giving up activities you do not realistically have time for, and you will thank yourself later.
3. Learn to say “no.” People who want to do everything have a hard time saying no, which is why their schedules get so overwhelming. For your sake, learn how to say no and be comfortable with saying it. If the president of a club you’re involved in needs someone to help her hang up posters but you have five hours of homework ahead of you, simply let her know that you can’t help out this time. People should understand that you have other commitments, and they shouldn’t give you a hard time for passing up on activities you really do not have time for. If they do give you a hard time, then take a hard look at whether the club or activity is really worth it at all.
4. Remember that your mental health comes first. Listen to the voice inside your head. If you pass by people relaxing and hanging out on campus and feel jealous, it’s time to give yourself a break. Skip out on that meeting and give yourself time to relax. Put a facemask on, watch a show, read a book — anything that will help get your mind off of all your commitments, even if it’s just for an hour.
While it is admirable to be the type of person who wants to be involved in everything, actually doing so can be quite overwhelming and may wear you down both physically and mentally. Following the steps listed above can help you prioritize your activities and maintain a healthy balance.