Finding Balance as a College Student
When there is so much to do that you do not know where to start, it can be easy to get lost and feel stress. Practicing better productivity habits allows you to take control in the process of balancing your life.
College is about finding balance. Classes take up most of students’ time, along with homework, studying, assignments, and exams. Naturally, students also want to spend time with friends, dedicate time to other organizations, and simply need time to relax and recharge. Finding this balance requires time management and productivity. When there is so much to do that you do not know where to start, it can be easy to get lost and feel stress. Practicing better productivity habits allows you to take control in the process of balancing your life.
It starts with mindset. It is easy to feel like you are drowning in work sometimes. A way to conquer this is to focus on getting one thing done at a time. Write all of your assignments down in an agenda or a notepad. Lists are a great way to see everything that needs to be done, and checking off each task as you get them done adds a feeling of accomplishment and productivity to your day. If stress is still building up, keep reminding yourself that you will get it done. That small amount of reassurance can get you far.
Make sure you add due dates and take into account how much time you may need for each assignment, and then prioritize your tasks in the way you see fit. If it is a 250-500 word assignment, sit down a few days before and get it done so you have time to edit and polish your work. If you have a big exam, set a designated time each day to study and stick to it.
Get really specific about what you want to accomplish each day. The more flexibility that you give yourself, the less accountable you will hold yourself, which is why discipline is a major key. Finding the motivation to complete everything on your to do list can be hard, but sometimes you just have to get it done.
When you find it hard to put effort into things, remind yourself how hard you worked to get to where you are now. Whatever it is, it’s not worth it to not give your best effort. If you work hard on that paper or spend hours a day preparing for that test, the end product will be worth a lot more. Working hard ensures that you earn your success.
Hustling in college is important, but so is rest. Take a nap if you need to. Take a break to walk around campus, or watch an episode of your favorite tv show. Remember that rest is part of the balance you are working toward, and without it, it will be difficult to be at your best. If you’re doing your best but you need a break, don’t beat yourself up over it. Take the break and go back to what you were doing once you have recharged.
Having fun is important, as well. Life is not about working until you can’t anymore, or spending everyday stressing out about what is to come in the next week. After you’ve successfully conquered the week, plan some fun activities over the weekend. Work hard, but have fun and make memories along the way.
Finding that balance takes trials and errors, but is not impossible. Figure out what the best method is for YOU and stick to it. You’ve got this!
