So it’s the first week of school, the fourth day to be exact, and I’m already beginning to stress out. I have to keep reminding myself to close my eyes, take a deep breath and re-examine whatever it is I am doing. On multiple occasions throughout the week I’ve actually had to step away from my work because of the sudden overcoming feeling of panic slamming into me. However, after each conversation with my mom (who manages to reignite the belief in myself every time) and the moments where I can actually push the panicked thoughts away, I thought it would be helpful to myself and other students if I compiled some strategies and suggestions for creating a balance between school, work (both class work and a job), and relaxation/quiet time for yourself.

1. Make a To-Do List:

To be completely honest I used to hate To-Do Lists. Whenever I would see someone making a list on their phone or notebook I would roll my eyes. But with the beginning of the school year and all the scheduling I needed to do, I decided to try it out. Now I make my list nearly everyday, especially if I have a lot to do. Simply writing down the tasks I have somehow makes me less stressed. Seeing them all listed in a row organizes my thoughts and allows me to prioritize. For example, some of the things on my To-Do list today include: research and find books for my Senior Project; start Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey”; and print out some articles to read for one of my classes. I even wrote down a reminder to breath and take a break because I tend to exhaust myself trying to do everything. It’s extremely important to not over-do it; you’re allowed to take a 30 minute break, knowing it will reenergize you for the rest of the day. One last thing about To-Do lists–it makes me way to happy to put a checkmark next to each completed task. That feeling of accomplishment feels great.

2. Work Out a Schedule:

This semester is going to be jam-packed for me. I’ll be jumping between taking five courses, working as a note-taker three times a week, figuring out my Senior Project idea and continuing my work for the Odyssey. The questions begin to race through my mind—when will I have time to sleep? Or eat? Or have some alone time? It is vital to sit down and work out a schedule that will work for you. Dedicate a specific amount of time to each task. Spend two hours on one subject, an hour and a half on another, and 30 minutes to reading before bed. Along with making a To-Do list, working out a schedule can help keep you calm, focused, and sane. I’ll repeat myself here: don’t forget to schedule relaxing time! Putting it on your To-Do list and fitting it into your schedule is necessary. Check off a task, take a break or go for a well-deserved ten-minute walk to stretch your legs and breath some fresh air.

3. Take Care of Yourself:

Scheduling time for class and work is important but no matter what, you have to remember to take care of yourself—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Just the other day I nearly exhausted myself; after moving in, I tried to do too much those first few days. By Wednesday, I was running on fumes. My headache intensity spiked, I was tired from running around everywhere and spreading myself thin. I was upset because I felt that I had possibly taken too much on for the semester. After a long talk with my mom and a good night’s sleep I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and confident—I felt like I had a handle on everything again. If you’re like me and you get easily overwhelmed or you try to do everything at once, remember to stop every once in a while and address your needs. Try to eat healthy and cook your own meals; giving your body healthy fuel will keep you energized and full. Make sure you get to sleep at a decent time. On the nights before an 8:30 am class I try to be in bed by 11:00 or 11:30, but that’s the absolute latest. Getting a good night’s sleep can change the entire way you function the next day. And, like I’ve said multiple times before (I’m really trying to drill it into you) allow yourself to take some time off each day. You won’t feel so worn out or drained if you take breaks now and then. It’ll change your world, I promise.

To sum-up, make sure you take a minute to step back and look at everything you have to do from a distance. Write your own To-Do list based on the schedule you work out for yourself. DO NOT over work yourself; take care of yourself instead. And, when you’re having a bad day just take a deep breath and do what I do—take it one day at a time.