The holidays are a great time for college students. You’re almost done with the semester, and ready to go back to home-cooked meals and your loving animals. Not to mention, plenty of time to relax and catch up with old friends.
But as fun and festive as the holidays are, this time of year can also be horrible for college students. Between finals, making room in your schedule for huge projects, and going shopping for presents on a budget for everyone you care about, it’s no wonder everyone is so stressed out! Here are some tips to stay sane for this cheery but challenging time of the year:
1. Plan In Advance (If Possible)
Planning and scheduling are key to success for finals and for holiday shopping. When you feel like there is no way you can make time for everything you want to do, make a list of your most important tasks and base your schedule off of that. What I do is make an hourly schedule each day and put my most time-sensitive to-dos first. If there is room in my schedule for that day, I can add errands and chores that need to be done.
GIF courtesy of Tenor.
2. Set a Limit For How Much You Spend
First, find out who exactly you’re buying presents for, and maybe pass on a gift exchange with your friends this year if you’re all too stressed and broke to find something awesome enough to give each other. If you still decide you want to give everyone you care about a gift, agree to a set shopping budget for each other. My roommates and I decided to set our limit to $10 a person (there are four of us) and we ended up giving each other something more personal and creative because of it. The holidays aren’t just about how much you can give and get: remember that your friends and family will still love you even if you can’t buy something even close to what they actually deserve.
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3. Stay Motivated
Finding the energy to get everything done can feel impossible at times. In addition to keeping a list of everything you need to do, find a reason to do them. Reward yourself with small breaks after long stretches of working hard and staying focused. Go out for a walk and get a hot chocolate to get in the holiday spirit and to remind yourself of the fun to come once all of the stress is over. Planning small things that don’t take up too much of your time will make it easier to get some of the more difficult tasks out of the way.
GIF courtesy of Tenor.
4. Schedule Some Alone Time
This is a helpful tip for both before and after winter break. Scheduling some alone time is super important for your mental health, since being around other stressed people can only amplify how overwhelmed you’re feeling. Take some time to de-stress before tackling another intense study session or before you have to socialize at family gatherings.
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5. Keep Your Cool Around Relatives
That being said, sometimes students feel like being around their relatives can be difficult because they share such different views. The holidays can be great for spending quality time with friends and family, but sometimes student get exhausted from constant criticism and bickering. If a relative says something that bothers you, think before responding, and ask yourself if it’s worth starting an argument over. Sometimes it’s good to correct someone’s errors, but most of the time it’s best to let it go for your sanity’s sake.
GIF courtesy of Gfycat.
6. Stay Physically Active
It’s hard to exercise in the winter when it’s so cold outside, but it will help you in the long-run. Take advantage of your campus gym and break a sweat when your brain needs a break. If you’re home and don’t have a gym membership, pull up Youtube and find some at-home workouts like yoga or pilates. Not only is it a great way to de-stress and feel good, but it will make you feel better about eating all of those reindeer-shaped cookies.
GIF courtesy of Pinterest.
7. Remember What’s Important
Most importantly, look at the big picture. This time of year is meant to spend time with loved ones and focus on everything you’re grateful for. With all of the pressure to buy presents and decorations and throw parties and get perfect grades on your exams, it’s important to remind yourself what the holiday season is really about. Have fun and good luck!
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Thumbnail image courtesy of Today.