This summer, I decided it would be a good idea for me to work two jobs in one day pretty much all week, totaling up to over 60 hours a week of working. When I thought about it in my head, it sounded good... until I actually started. I am on day 3 and I have officially lost it due to lack of sleep. My feet are killing me, my head is pounding. Of course, my second job of the day is customer service. Come on now, who wants to deal with customers after working a warehouse job 6:30-3? Not I. I wanted to do this for two reasons. The first reason was so that I was not bored, which I'm not, but I'd much rather be bored than feel the way I'm feeling now. The only good thing about this is the money, and let me tell you, I can not WAIT for those paychecks.
Find Time To Relax, You Deserve A Break
Your whole life shouldn't feel like work.
When life gets extremely hectic finding time to relax is generally the last thing on our mind. However, carving out some time for yourself is good for your sanity.
Trying to push through the fog of a tired, overworked mind and body will leave your run down and unhappy. Don't let yourself get to that point by finding time to relax and unwind every day.
After finding myself absolutely exhausted, running on five hours of sleep a night for weeks at a time and consuming three times as much caffeine in a day than recommended, I knew I needed to find balance.
There's no point in doing so many things you love if you can barely keep your eyes open while you're doing them.
There are times in life where we have to work, but our whole life shouldn't feel like work and at the peak of my sleep deprivation, that's what my life was feeling like.
I knew I genuinely loved all of the things that keep my days so jam-packed, but I didn't love how every single one of them had turned into work. I missed the days where I was excited to do these things and didn't constantly find myself saying "I have to go do this".
I didn't want my fun extracurriculars to turn solely into resume builders, and that is when I looked at my life and realized that I still have a passion for everything I'm doing, I'm just too exhausted to enjoy them.
I needed to make time for myself a priority.
I started saying "no" when I knew I couldn't take on one more thing and I stopped feeling bad about it because I knew that saying "yes," wouldn't be good for me.
I set my phone to automatically turn on "do not disturb" every day from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. so even if I was awake and I didn't feel like I had to stay up all night fixing the problem that someone texted me about if it was after 10 p.m.
I started telling people about the things that were on my mind because even though it's hard I feel better after I stop pretending life I've got everything under control.
I took breaks during the day and reflecting on how I was feeling and just doing that made me feel better.
I'm a workaholic without a 9-5 day job, but I'm learning to make time for me and I hope you start doing that too.
Being An Overachiever Isn't Bad, It Just Means You Care
Being an overachiever is worth all the stress, I promise.
Most people hate the overachievers of the world. They try too hard, they stress too much and they're pretty boring because they work so much.
Despite popular belief, though, being an overachiever is worth all the stress.
Sure, sometimes putting effort into literally everything can be exhausting. Our self-confidence can dwindle at the slightest hint of a poor grade emerging or someone not validating a job well done.
But, being an overachiever also means we pride ourselves on a job well done. We are focused, driven to challenge ourselves to complete projects and apply for high-level jobs. We climb the ladder of professionalism and extracurriculars, and the success is completely worth it despite what others think.
I have always considered myself an overachiever. My friends always say how busy I am, my parents notice all the hard work and my partners in the past and present have always been encouraging.
Working hard and creating this work ethic has instilled a ton of confidence in me.
I pride myself on joining clubs, helping people and setting myself apart from others. I love turning in an assignment that I know I did stellar on.
You see, being an overachiever makes you hold yourself to a certain standard. In the past I used to have so much anxiety, thinking people expected so much of me. In reality, I have learned that I put it all on myself.
I am in control of my emotions and how much I push myself. I am the one person I need to truly impress. I am a doer, not just a dreamer.
So, being an overachiever, to me, isn't a bad thing. It is not something that should be looked down upon. No matter how many times you get stressed or discouraged, you have to remember it is all in your hands.
Being the best you can be is a very personal thing. It is important to hone in on your talents and overachieve in all aspects that is possible for you.
Whether you excel with time management, handing in great papers, joining clubs or binge-watching countless tv shows, being an overachiever at something is crucial for having confidence in every part of life. It's important to have acute stress about things that matter to you.
I have heard before that if you aren't worried, you don't care.
Being an overachiever doesn't just mean you're stressed, it also means you care. That is why being an overachiever is worth it.
Top 10 Moments During Finals Week As Told By 'Workaholics'
Why not bring some humor into the worst week of college, right?
When three best friends drop out of college, get a house together, and start working at a telemarketing job together, you know that it's always going to be a great time. Blake, Adam, and Anders learn that their transition from being lazy college students to having to set an alarm, actually work, and try not to cry at any inconvenience is very hard. Well, finals week is all of that combined in one week. Trying to learn everything you were supposed to learn the whole semester in one night at the library.
Hearing all the freshmen are complaining to their moms on the phone when walking through the quad
Sorry, freshman. But, this is college!
Realizing your professor says your 72% can't be rounded up to a 90%
Come on, I swear I tried my hardest in your class.
Getting sick because of all the stress
You are too stressed to sleep, so you have black circles around your eyes (darker than a raccoon's eyes). Seeing the first question on the final that your stomach decides that it's competing in the X-Games by doing a 540 triple quad flip.
Feeling sorry for yourself about all the built-up stress and long list of deadlines
Even though you know that you put all of it off to the last second and found out about the projects two months ago, it's still not your fault. Who says it's not okay to pity yourself?
Boosting your own self-confidence for avoiding breakdowns
Hyping your self up is one of the most important steps to avoid those breakdowns and kill those finals! Only cried three times today. Good job — two less than yesterday!
Refusing certain material only to see it in on the final
Saying I won't study these because they won't be on the final. Then, those questions are more than half of the final. We have all been there and regret it immediately.
Faking your through short-answer questions
When you're trying to sound smart, so you use those big words (questionably real ones) on those short-answer questions on that final. You have no idea what you are writing about and bullshitting them is the only way your way through.
Calculating your grade to figure out how well you need to do on the final to stay afloat
When you go on final grade calculator to figure out the lowest grade you need to get on the final to past the class, you realize you need, like, a 126%.
Dressing like a complete hot mess that you are
You're just don't care that you look like complete crap the whole finals week, but it's actually a fashion statement. So, just let all those people stare. They have been there before. And if they haven't yet, they will have a rude awakening.
Owning the fact that you're absolutely not ready for finals
Guess who is nowhere close to being ready for finals? ME!
Finals is the worst week of college, but we can all do it! Good luck on finals everyone! Most importantly, stay fresh.
13 Things You Can Do To Relieve Stress
Spring time is a stressful time of the year for everyone, let's relax
As the school year is wrapping up, due dates are sneaking up on us and finals are right around the corner. Although spring time seems to effect everyone almost equally when it comes to stress. It is important to stay relaxed and level-headed in stressful times if you want to keep your sanity. Sometimes it is hard to relax so I have created a list of things you can do to go from freaking out to chilling out.
Breathe
GiphyEvery time I stress out and begin to panic, I control my breathing. Breathe in for 8 seconds, hold it for 8 seconds, and breathe out. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. This helps to slow your heart rate and get you centered and focused before diving into the task at hand.
Pet some animals
GiphyIt is scientifically proven that petting animals can reduce stress, and it works for me. Petting, holding, and hugging cats and dogs can work wonders for stress levels.
Listen to music
GiphyAny genre of music can relive stress, it just depends on what is preferred. You can dance your stress away or jam out to your favorite songs or just put on some relaxing background noise. There is also a song called "Weightless" by Marconi Union that many people have recommended to listen to as it is calming and reduces stress and anxiety.
Exercise or go for a walk
GiphyWalk that stress off. Using some of your energy towards exercising leaves you more relaxed than you were before. This can also give you time to think about your stressors and help you feel less worried about them, which will give you a clear mind and motivation to take care of them.
Meditate
GiphyThere are many ways to meditate. Meditating helps clear your mind and a clear mind will help keep you focused.
Talk yourself through it
GiphyTalk yourself though everything that is stressing you out. Make a game plan to finish the tasks at hand.
Take a nap
GiphyPeople almost always feel better after a nap, especially if they need it. Being well rested can help you stay focused and get the job done.
Treat yourself
GiphyBuy something you have always wanted, get a large instead of a medium, anything! You have been working hard and deserve something nice, so reward yourself for all of your work so far.
Practice self care
GiphyHave a spa day, get your nails done, anything! People will sometimes neglect themselves if they get too stressed out so take a day for self care; it might make you feel better.
Do not do unnecessary work
GiphyDo not take on extra work if you will not be able to handle it. Finish assignments before starting or taking on new ones. Hard work and unnecessary work are completely different.
Stay motivated
Staying motivated can be hard. Find something to look forward to once the stressor is relieved and use that as motivation.
Point out your 5 senses
GiphyIf you find yourself engulfed in stress, thinking about every stressor that is effecting you in the moment, try stating what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. This is an effective form of mindfulness to aid in being present and aware of surroundings.
Take a break
GiphyStepping back for a couple of minutes will help your mind regroup and give you a second wind. Taking breaks is important when working hard. It gives you a couple of minutes to relax before getting back to it.
Stay calm and take care of yourself. You can get through this!
15 Songs You Should Listen To While You’re Studying, With Titles That Describe How Studying Feels
For those nights when you have no choice but to work on those assignments :(
No one truly likes studying. It takes so much motivation and energy, which is hard to come by when you're already exhausted from being a student. I don't recommend becoming a workaholic, but there are days when you really just do have to study. And that obviously calls for a good playlist…
1. “Work Song” by Hozier
Due at 11:59pm? Do at 11:58pm.
GiphyHozier recently made a comeback with his new album "Wasteland, Baby!" (which I highly recommend). But if you haven't heard his debut album, this is one of my favorite songs from it!
2. “Erase” by Mika
Study break, or "Parks and Rec" rewatch break?
GiphyMika is well known for songs "Grace Kelly" and "Lollipop", but this one is way more somber and emotional. Perfect for when you find out you have to redo an entire project because you read the rubric wrong.
3. “Okay Alright I’m Alive” by Bahamas
Me emerging from the library at 1am finally ready to go back to my room and sleep.
GiphyAnyone: How are you?
Me: Okay
Anyone: Alright
Me: I'm Alive
4. “No More Second Chances” by MKTO
Realizing you submitted the wrong document and you can't resubmit...
GiphyYes, "Classic" is a classic. But so are the rest of their songs!
5. “IDFWY” by Big Sean feat. E-40
You: I truly don't give a f---!!! Your brain:
GiphySometimes you just gotta let it out and scream this song at the top of your lungs.
6. “Lost” by Frank Ocean
When you're stuck on a problem and all your friends are asleep... who you gonna call?
GiphySing it, Frank.
7. “wRoNg” by ZAYN feat. Kehlani
I'm SORRY, autograded quizzes!
GiphyThis song features a combination of two of the greatest singers of the modern age… So yeah, I would say it's pretty good.
8. “It Only Gets Much Worse” by Nate Ruess
When does this semester end? I WANNA GO HOME!!!
GiphyIf you ever jammed to "We Are Young" by fun. (don't lie, you did), and didn't know the lead singer was a solo artist, you'll be happy to find that he makes his own music.
9. “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence
Catch me snoozing on top of my notes like it's my job.
GiphySometimes you just need someone to yell in your ear for you to wake up, and this song is exactly the one for that.
10. “Alone” by Surfaces
Ohana means family, and family are those friends who bring you food so you can eat the stress away.
GiphyThat feel when it hits midnight and you're sitting by yourself in the library struggling...we've all been there.
11. “Girls Love Toast” by The Holdup
Toast is one of mankind's best inventions (after sliced bread).
GiphyBecause girls really do love toast.
12. “Finish Line / Drown” by Chance the Rapper feat. T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane, and Noname
YES! NEARLY THERE!
GiphyHonestly, my favorite part of this song is the "Harry Potter" reference, but it's also a lyrical masterpiece. Win-win situation.
13. “Light in the Hallway” by Pentatonix
Don't let the light in the hallway bother you.
GiphyCalm yourself down with soothing a cappella!
14. “Hell or High Water” by Lacy Wilder
So close.
GiphyI personally know Lacy- humble brag, I know- but I find that this is the greatest hype song to listen to before the final stretch.
No matter how long it takes you, or how much you end up studying, you got this. Best of luck this upcoming finals season. (Full playlist can be found here.)