As Midterms approach, I tend to believe that my life is in shambles and nothing can help me. With countless hours of homework and all of my other 10,000 responsibilities, I can't help but try to think of new tactics to help get my life together. Recently, I have done some research and have tried new things to stay on top of everything that's been thrown at me. So, for all of you busy and stressed college girls out there that feel like you're always on the go and sacrificing your sleep and God knows what else, here are 5 tips to try to stay on top of things.

1. 1 hour of planning saves 10 hours of doing.

When I heard this fact for the first time, I didn't believe it. Now that I do I sit down and plan for the week ahead every Sunday, and write down EVERYTHING in my planner, I can totally vouch! Planning out your homework, meetings, errands, etc. ahead of time will make your life so much easier (if you stick to it!) It will make you more focused on what you need to accomplish. Once you finish all your tasks for the day, you will feel so much more relieved and have more time to do what you want.

2. Schedule and make time for ANYTHING that is important to you!

As strange as it may sound, scheduling out time for anything and everything that is important to you is vital. This includes hanging out with friends, meeting someone for lunch, doing laundry, or even taking a nap. Although your day might not always go as planned, this is another way to make sure you stay on top of things so you can enjoy doing is important to you and spending time with people you love.

3. Apps can be your new best friend.

Although I try to prevent having a copious amount of apps on my phone, they can become your new best friend! There are apps for everything- working out, making sure you drink enough water, planners, counting calories, etc. Look into whatever works for you and use it to your own benefit.

4. Prepare, prepare, prepare!

Something that can make the biggest difference in your day is making sure that you prepare for EVERYTHING. Try setting out your outfit the night before, filling up your water bottle, or making sure your backpack/purse is packed. The start of your day can truly set the tone of your mood for the day. So, just make sure everything is ready to go ahead of time. It will make you less stressed and keep you on track at the start of the day.

5. Carve out 1-2 hours of time per day to do something you love.

No matter how busy you may feel (probably like there aren't enough hours in the day,) make sure that you carve out at LEAST 1-2 hours to debrief and do something that you love. If working out, watching your favorite Netflix show, sitting at Starbucks, or taking a nap is important to you, make sure you make time to do it and clear your head.