I don’t know about you, but I feel like time is flying! Honestly, every time I blink it’s already the weekend. Usually, I look forward to the weekends, but even that is starting to feel like a normal weekday to me. I just don’t have time for myself anymore. It just feels like I am caged, doing the same thing over and over. I’m sure many of us are on the same boat and might feel overwhelmed or just done because it’s almost summer. It can be hard to concentrate in class or work when we’re feeling tired, hungry, or overwhelmed. That is why I have come up with five ideas on what you can do when you feel overwhelmed with everything:
- Take A Step Back
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I know this one is easier said than done, but you have to try. I know at the moment some might say “no we can’t or else we’ll lose time in finding the solution” and for others, this might be easy to do. You have to remove yourself from the stressful situation. You can’t find a solution without clearing your head or giving it a rest. I mean if you haven’t found a solution in the last two hours, what makes you think you’ll find it if you keep going? You need new ideas! But for those ideas to come to you, you need to give your beautiful brain a rest. You can take a walk down your neighborhood or go to the park and relax. You can also eat because that is really important in order for our bodies to keep going. Spend time with your pets (if you have any) or just do a hobby you enjoy in the meantime. The idea is not to procrastinate and forget your task, it’s to simply take a break to later come back to it.
- Pomodoro Technique
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I have tried this one and it’s been a success! This is a time management method that helps keep you on track. You work for 25 minutes and then you take a five-minute break, and then you repeat until you’re done for the day. I get easily distracted, so having a timer helps me concentrate because I know that I will get my break soon. I highly recommend trying this technique; it might just help you focus and finish your tasks faster.
- Take A Nap
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It’s funny that I suggest naps because when I was in high school I used to dislike them. I would say that it was a waste of time because it interrupted my day. But, naps are definitely essential when you are in college. I have never taken so many naps until I began college. Most of us probably sleep very late and wake up early in the morning and don’t get to come back home or finish assignments until later in the day. By then all we want to do is rest! I suggest taking a nap when you feel it is necessary; just don’t do it when you have an assignment due in an hour! A nap will recharge your brain and help you pull through any assignment you might have to do for the next day. We are all doing great things, but what’s the point if we are not giving our bodies or our brains proper rest?
- Make Plans
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I have found that if I make plans to go out with my friends or family ahead of time I tend to try and finish everything before that day comes. When the day comes, all we want to do is go out and have fun, not think about the assignment that is due later that day. You are more likely to schedule your time and not procrastinate in doing your assignments. Aside from keeping you focused, going out is a way to distract yourself from everything that is going on in your life. I suggest trying to plan a day at least once a week. At least that way you have a day that is stress-free!
- Eat
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I briefly mentioned eating at the beginning, but I need to stress the importance of having food in your system throughout the day. You can’t get through the day without food. You need to try to have at least three meals throughout the day, but I understand that we are all different and some of us might not be able to do this. However, just snacking on some food until you get home or have time for your main meal goes a long way. Not eating results in us feeling more tired, having a headache, being more annoyed and not being able to produce new ideas. Find what works best for you and make sure to either pack some snacks throughout the day or eat three meals a day to be at your best!
I highly recommend trying out one of the ideas! You never know, it might just work out for you and help you finish this quarter strong. Don’t worry, you got this, and I know you’ll do amazing!