Nowadays, it seems like I can barely find time to catch some Zzz's. Between working 20 plus hours a week, being enrolled in 16 college units, being involved in sorority life and three clubs, there doesn't seem to be enough time in the day and life has gotten a little crazy. Learning how to balance it all is the key to not only accomplishing everything you want to do but also keeping your sanity.
1. Keep a planner.
I don't know about you but my planner is my life. If I didn't write everything down in my planner, I would be extremely lost. Having a cute planner helps. I can be organized, write down everything I need to do in my day and it can still look good. My planner this year is a Kate Spade one and I'm in love with it! Decorating the planner with patterned washi tape and fun stickers brings me joy and makes it pleasant to look at when I'm planning out my day.
2. Have a to-do list.
This ties in with the idea of planners. Being as busy as I am, it helps to make to-do lists. Writing every single little thing I have to do helps me so I won't forget anything. Not only that but once I accomplish a task, I get the satisfaction of checking it off my list. Making lists is something that has motivated me to accomplish everything I need to do.
3. Knowing what to commit to.
We're not Superman, we can't do it all. Knowing what is important and what to commit to will save you trouble in the long run. By timing out your day, you can be sure you only commit to one thing at a time. By doing so, you can make sure that you don't disappoint anyone when you have to cancel last minute or don't show up. With that being said, if you make a commitment, stick with it. I know you may be exhausted and rather go home and sleep than go to your Consulting Club meeting (or maybe that's just me) but nothing is worse than bailing on a commitment. Not only does it look bad on you, but not following through with your promises disappoints the person you committed to. That person may never ask you to something again because you bailed on them the first time. So how do they know you won't do it again?
4. Finding time for yourself.
One important thing to keep in mind when you're thinking of your crazy schedule is to make sure you pencil in time for yourself. Whether it's to workout, get your nails done, or finally start that book you've been dying to read, planning out some alone time for yourself will save you from going mad. Taking the time to relax and de-stress will help clear your mind and allow you tackle that busy schedule.
5. Put your priorities first.
Being a college student can be stressful and after a long day of classes all you want to do is go out with your friends and have a good time and forget all about that homework you have due tomorrow. However, although it's fun to go out and party with friends, the reason you are in college is to go to class and work to earn your degree. Focusing on what's important in life and getting your priorities straight will not only help you balance your schedule but help you accomplish the goals you've set for yourself so that you can be successful in life.
6. Make sure to get sleep.
I know it sounds ridiculous when you're worried about all the work or tasks you need to get done but it's important to get sleep. Constantly running around all day is exhausting and coffee can only keep you awake for so long. Eventually you'll crash and burn. Save yourself the trouble and get some sleep, even if that means having a short nap (or two) throughout the day. Let's be honest, as young adults we don't have time to get the suggested 8 hours of sleep a night. I'm lucky if I even get 6 hours of sleep. But making sure you do get the chance to lie down and catch some Zzz's will not only help your day go smoothly but you won't be as stressed. By letting your body get some rest, you can be more productive throughout the day.
7. Know that you can't control everything.
Being a perfectionist, I like to be in control of everything. Especially when I am busy, I feel like my life is out of control and nothing is going right. When I begin to feel like this, sometimes the best and only option is to take a step back and take time for yourself. At the end of the day, you're not going to have a happy life if you can't take a break and actually enjoy it. So although you may want to, you can't control everything in life and that's perfectly okay. You can only control yourself and as long as you take time to take care of you, everything else will fall into place.