This semester I have found myself trying to juggle the impossible. I am taking a seven-class course load as opposed to four, running an honor society, attempting to learn how to take over the UNH chapter of Her Campus so I can be the co-president next year, working three to four days a week, trying my best to stay involved with my sorority, keeping up with my friends, family, and my social life (having just turned 21), and still getting my work done on time.
I know I’m not the only one who has maybe bitten off a little more than they can chew for this semester of college, so seeing as I am experiencing this first hand I thought I’d share with everyone how I manage to stay sane through it all!
1. Give yourself time to sleep
School work and keeping up with extracurricular activities is so important, but you have to have the energy to do so! I know everyone says, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” but with that mentality, you are going to crash and burn so hard after a week or two. So give yourself time to actually relax and make sure you’re running on at least five hours of sleep.
2. Use your planner
My planner is honestly my lifesaver. There are weeks that I have had to schedule time for myself to eat because I was so busy that without allocating time to grab dinner I think I could forget and go a few days without food.
3. Make time for things you actually like to do
Do you really enjoy going to the gym? Maybe painting or drawing? Make time to get to do things that you truly enjoy. This goes along with being able to relax and clear your mind, but making time for the things that bring you joy in life is crucial.
4. Don’t be afraid to say no
This is a problem that I personally have. I have the hardest time saying ‘no’ to anyone who asks me to do something. Pick up an extra shift at work? Okay! Meet with two groups at the same time? No problem! Take on leadership roles in two organizations? Of course! There comes a time where you cannot do it all, so pick and choose wisely which activities are actually important to you.
5. Enjoy your college experience
No matter how many classes you are taking, how many organizations you’re a part of, or how much extra work you have, do not forget that this four-year vacation is only going to last four years. You have the rest of your life to do work and stay in every night. Go out with friends, meet new people, and make memories because that’s what you’re going to remember after you graduate—not how you spent a week living in Paul prepping for a presentation.