Welcome back to Millersville! While we all needed that extra long break this winter, it’s great to reconnect with our pals and to cross off more dates on the college calendar. The first week of the semester is always easy, but every college student knows how that week of syllabus explanations and no homework goes by too quickly. By the time week two arrives, we have group assignments and paper deadlines! Juggling school, homework, internships, jobs, sports, clubs, activities, and social lives can be overwhelming and can seem unmanageable.
Here are some tips for eliminating stress this spring semester:
1) Make a To-Do List
This may seem pointless as to-do lists don’t erase a full schedule, but it is a simple, sure fire way to organize your life. Before going to bed each night, jot down (in order) each task that must be done the next day (including homework). Buy a magnetic stack of list paper and keep it on the refrigerator or keep the list on your desk. Be sure to cross each task off as you finish them. You’ll feel a sense of relief and accomplishment!
2) Do the Things You Love
It might seem difficult to squeaze in time with your friends, to watch your favorite show, or to do hobbies when you have more pressing things on your mind. Add fun activities to your to-do list and time will allow for them. Plus, it’s great to take your mind off bothersome tasks for a while. You’ll feel better knowing you don’t have to sacrifice all your precious social time.
3) Exercise
One of the last things we want to do after a tough, busy day is to exercise. Most of us just want to crash and vegitate on the couch for a few before reengaging in more work. Resist the urge to be lazy and hit the gym for 30 minutes to an hour. Run around your neighborhood. Do an exercise video (If you have Comcast Cable, check out Exercise TV On Demand). Go for a brisk walk. We remain stationary during a day of classes and our bodies need to move. You’ll feel better mentally and physically and you’ll be ready to tackle the next item on your to-do list!
4.) Don’t Hold In Your Feelings
Sometimes when we’re stressed we try to burry and ignore those feelings. We don’t want them to bother us and we don’t want other people to know that we’re on the brink of a break down. If you take a break to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, however, you will feel more capable of tackling the problem. Talk to your friends, your significant other, or even call your parents. When you put your feelings in the open, you can think about the issues more constructively. Plus, you’ll most likely get great advice from your confidants. And remember…it’s okay to cry. Get it out of your system!
Stress is normal, but we can feel its toll much too frequently. The next time you’re handling too many tasks, keep these tips in mind.