So you bit off more than you can chew, and think there is no way to complete it all?
Look no further because I have done the trial and error for you. College tends to be characterized by sleepless nights and hair-pulling stress, but here are a few methods of organization that have helped me keep it somewhat together this semester
Find an Accountabili-buddy
This started as a joke, but having a friend keep you accountable for your school-work or duties can help you stay on track. My dad makes sure I email him my essays at least 2 days before they are due, which is great for getting feedback and not leaving the work until the night before. Share your schedule and upcoming tasks with your roommates; there is nothing sweeter than a voice coming from the living room reminding you to change your mySSU password by the end of the day. Having a buddy keep you accountable is one step in the responsible direction!
Stay Healthy
I constantly procrastinate. Having a sore throat or the sniffles is just another excuse to push things off or not put your best effort into something, so stay well! Stress makes you sick, it’s proven, so make healthy choices a habit. Whether you walk to school instead of drive for a 15 minute workout, cut down on your sugar, or start meal planning, any healthy option will help your immune system keep up with you.
Plan on Getting a Planner
If you don’t already have a planner, get one. If you have a planner and you aren’t effectively using it, start to. Buy multi colored pens, stickers, all that jazz. This is the first year I have truly invested time into my schedule, and seeing everything laid out beautifully (it’s like my own personal art project every day) is that much more incentive to keep up with it. Like Leslie Knope says, “I’m just jammin’ on my planner,” and jammin’ on it will help you jam in everything else do you do.
Make Time for Things That Make You Happy
Being stressed is depressing at times; do not hesitate to make a choice that lifts your spirits. Leading an organization, working, or taking challenging classes can literally suck the life out of you, and you cannot do a superb job if you’re not happy. Schedule time with your friends, make time for your hobbies. Knowing when you’re done with a meeting you’ll be having dinner with your squad is a great feeling, so make it one of your priorities.
Know When To Say No
Delegation is a great skill! If a project sneaks up on you that you just cannot do, suggest it to a friend who can. You’re getting more people in your life involved, helping them reach their potential, and keeping yourself sane. Sharing the load is how success is achieved.
If you have any tips that have helped you manage your work-load, comment below! We are all in spring semester together— only 7 more weeks until summer!