Many people would look at my schedule and think one thing: “She’s insane. Why would anyone choose this?”
They are not necessarily wrong. I am taking 18 credit hours, with three of them being senior seminar courses, applying to law school and holding a leadership position within the Honors Program. My schedule is full to the brim.
And yet, I still do it.
There is something to be said for having a full schedule. As someone who is naturally type A, I have always had a fairly busy schedule. Busy feels natural for me, and oftentimes, I feel like I even thrive under pressure.
However, this does not mean I do not have my moments of weakness, and sometimes in those moments, all I need is to call my mom.
Besides this (usually chaotic) way of dealing with stress, there have been a few strategies I have picked up along my way that have helped me to manage my busy schedule. These are tricks that have worked for me during this busy time, and perhaps they could work for you.
For one, invest in a planner. I know I sound like every other college advice article, but as someone who credits their grades and success to their planner, I promise it is worth the investment.
I personally document my life in four different ways: my calendar app on my phone, my reminders app, my daily to-do list and most importantly, a physical planner. Being a busy girl means I am a forgetful one as well, and knowing every single thing that is on my plate in a day has been one of the best ways of minimizing my stress.
Secondly, use your resources. Personally, I have never made so many appointments with on-campus resources as I have this year.
Realizing that I was not alone in my stress, and that I do not have to go through busy times by myself, was a very eye-opening experience. This year, some of my best support systems have been my professors and advisors.
There are resources to assist you; do not hesitate to use them.
Thirdly, and this is verified by Mayo Clinic, take care of your physical health. I am an avid runner and have been for many years, and I can confirm that my mental health is always at its worst when I am not working out.
Taking even 30 minutes for myself a few days a week to do some sort of physical activity has been an excellent way to relieve stress and take my mind off things.
Another helpful thing has been being more conscientious about the content I consume. When stressed out, the worst thing I can do for myself is watch a horror movie or scroll through social media for hours.
During this time, I find myself seeking familiar movies and comedies. Sometimes, I feel like I do not have the mental space to watch a new show or to scroll social media. Perhaps, leaving time for calming brain rot is helpful.
Lastly, I had to realize that when I am busy, sacrifices have to be made for my mental health. This was a hard one for me (especially as a perfectionist).
I have realized quickly with my schedule that perfect attendance may not be my reality this semester, or that I may have weeks where I cannot always complete every reading I have for class. This is OK.
Life is stressful enough without the artificial stress I create for myself, so I have learned to accept that not everything can be perfect, nor does it have to be. If getting through only the key points of a reading means I get one hour of free time to watch a movie before bed for my own sanity, then perhaps the loss is worth it.
All this said, I sincerely hope that these tips and tricks help you as you go through this busy semester. Obviously, there is no single formula for dealing with a packed schedule, and everyone finds their own way through it.
But know this: you are not alone. We are busy together.