By Ashley Santos
College is an exciting journey where possibly for the first time you have the unique opportunity to learn more about yourself and explore your interests independently. That being said, it can also be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Balancing your academics, extracurriculars, social life, work, physical and mental health is incredibly challenging and requires efficient time management skills. I will discuss three tips that will guide you into making the most out of your college experience!
- Create a Routine that Works for You
A solid routine will look different for everyone based on your commitments and what you choose to prioritize. Creating a routine that you can stick to will help you in managing your life. One way I do this is by creating a to do list at the beginning of each week. I then write down my schedule for each day the night prior to ensure that I block out time in my day to complete the items on my to-do list. I also delegate time periods for other activities in order to maintain balance. Writing down your priorities and how you will incorporate them into your days will give you a greater sense of control over your life.
- Learn to Say No & Manage External Pressures
At a university there are endless opportunities everywhere you look, it can be tempting to want to take advantage of every single one. You may also be receiving pressure to do so whether this is coming from social media, parents, friends, etc. In this kind of environment, it is common to fall victim to excessive stress and burnout. Remember that this experience is yours only. Do your best to avoid over-scheduling yourself so that you can maintain a healthy balance in the way you spend your time. If you want more resources regarding time management, I highly recommend watching this time management video. This is part of an incredibly helpful toolkit that our university provides to students to aid in time management and prioritization.
- Practice Self Care
Last but not least, self-care is essential for a healthy life balance. These are only a few self-care suggestions among many others, find one or multiple that work for you! The tips below are basic human needs that often get overlooked while trying to manage all your other priorities. They have been proven to enhance relaxation, mood, and productivity.
- Your body needs sunlight, exercise, and human interaction: go for an outdoor walk with a friend!
- Your body needs time to wind down at the end of the day and a recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night: Drink some tea & read your favorite book before bed!
- Your body needs fuel: Make sure you hydrate and eat nourishing meals every day!