October is coming to a close and November is almost here which means one thing: we’re at THAT point in the semester. That’s right ladies, we’re in the weird limbo stage between midterms, Thanksgiving, and finals. You might be working on getting a summer internship or being involved in extracurriculars, but, nonetheless, this time of the year tends to be among the most stressful for college students. Not only are you trying to keep your GPA up, you’re also trying to find time for family as the holidays approach. Right now it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with life and school which means that it’s easy to lose yourself in all the madness. Even though it may seem beyond difficult to finish the semester strong, you have to stay motivated and make time for yourself and your wellbeing. College definitely isn’t easy and you shouldn’t experience the struggles of it alone. Here are some tips to help when you’re feeling overwhelmed with college life.
1. Remember that you were destined to be here
College is usually the first time many people are away from home and around people their age. Being in the world on your own is overwhelming enough, but seeing the achievements and success of other students who are the same age is on a completely different level. Surrounding yourself with people who are business owners and have conducted research projects at only 17 or 18 years old can inspire you, but a lot of the time it can discourage you. The comparison game is a game you never want to play because in the end you’ll never win. Just because another person has more money, friends, or achievements, doesn’t mean you are inferior to them. Everyone’s path in life is different and you are meant to be exactly where you are right now. College is a time to invest in your passions, don’t let comparisons ruin your ambitions before they even begin.
2. Set aside time during the day for you and you only
At this point in the semester, it can feel like the days are just rolling into each other and you lose track of time. It may feel like you’re constantly running into deadlines and obstacles, but despite this feeling, you have to make time for yourself. For at least 15 minutes each day, find time to do something you enjoy or relaxes you. Some people choose to meditate, watch TV, or even read. Nevertheless, it’s essential that you find time for yourself and do something you enjoy for the sake of your wellbeing.
3. Avoid procrastination
We all know it’s ten times easier to put something off until it’s due than actually starting it when you’re already feeling overwhelmed enough as it is. In the moment, putting work off may seem convenient, but once that deadline rolls around you’re going to be more stressed than you were in the first place. It may seem like a hassle to get something done the moment you receive it, but in the end, avoiding procrastination will leave you with more time for yourself. Also, towards the end of the semester you’ll have more time to get ready for the holidays and seeing family instead of stressing out over assignments.
Everyone’s college experience is different and how you handle the responsibilities that come with it is entirely up to you. Keep a positive mindset as the semester winds down and the pressures of school l overwhelm you. We may not be able to control the things life projects onto us, but we can control how we react to them. Even though you may be stressed with everything going on, find time for yourself to regroup and be a self starter; recognizing that everything you want out of college and in life is up to you and yourself only.