With a new year and new semester already in full swing, it can be tough to keep up the "New year, new me" mindset, especially if your winter break just wasn't long enough. The stress of new classes, returning to work, and trying to take care of yourself can be overwhelming mentally, emotionally and even physically. But, believe it or not, a positive mindset may be the key to get through your busy schedule without feeling drained. Here are five basic tips to help you survive a busy schedule and keep a clear, sound mind.
1. Keep a personal calendar.
Whether you're naturally well-organized or not, keeping a personal calendar is a life saver. Whether it be a phone calendar, planne, or one that hangs on the wall, keeping track of your class schedules/assignments, work schedule and personal errands will help ensure that you're getting everywhere you need to be and everything you need to get done on time.
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2. Actually keep your syllabi.
Most people look at the syllabus for class for maybe one or two days before getting rid of it. DON'T DO IT! If not the syllabus, at least keep the class assignment schedule, either with your calendar or somewhere on your desk, so you don't forget or miss deadlines. Or, if you're comfortable with the phone calendar route, sync your assignment due dates.
3. Don't be afraid to take a mental health day when you need it.
Some classes require attendance, and to avoid getting fired, work needs you to be there too. But, we all have those days where our bodies and our minds just won't let us get out of bed. The stress may get to you, and you may need to chill out for one day to focus on self care. Don't be afraid to ask for a day off to help yourself get back on track. It may seem like you're asking for too much, but it's better to miss one day of responsibilities to get better mentally than to keep working yourself into complete exhaustion.
4. If you can get something done ahead of time, do it.
If you finally find some down time and can't think of anything to do, or you just feel like keeping the productivity going, get something done early. It'll help lighten your workload at a later time, which you can always use to relax.
5. Remember that you're killin' it.
This is a cute little thing I personally like to tell myself just about every day. Remind yourself daily that you're in college, working a job, taking care yourself, and full on adulting. You're doing more in one day than some people do in a week. You're getting things done and trying to have a fun and healthy lifestyle. Believe it or not, you're doing a lot more than you think you are. So, when you're walking through campus, in class, getting errands done, busy at work or finally enjoying some down time, remember that you're killin' it, and that's something to be proud of.
