When I decided to take five on-campus and two online classes, I knew what I was getting myself into. As a transfer student, I had several core classes to catch up on, and I wanted to get as many things out of the way as possible so I could stay on track for graduation. While some weeks were better than others (e.g. syllabus week vs. finals week), I want to share with you some of my stress management tips for when the going gets tough. Whether it’s at school or work, taking on a big load is both demanding and rewarding! Here’s how you can push through:
1-Get Organized. Any time you’re taking on a lot at once, it’s important to prioritize as soon as possible. I wrote down all my deadlines on my calendar and hung my syllabi and notes in plain sight over my desk so I wouldn’t miss anything important. When you have a folder for everything, the assignments ahead will feel less daunting.
2-Read a book. Or Netflix and chill, depending on how exhausted you’re feeling. When you’re so caught up reading textbooks all the time, you can forget to do the things you love. For me, just reading Vogue or watching YouTube videos before bed was a way to reward myself and unwind.
3-Take care of your body. This is something I only started doing near the end of the semester, and it makes a world of difference! Even if you dread working out like I do, find a dance or yoga routine you love and stick with it. If you’re procrastinating, try to set a timer and run or walk for 30 minutes—you’ll feel more energized to face the task.
4-Have a best friend. My best friend also happens to be my roommate, and without her I know I wouldn’t have made it through such a tough semester at a new school. She was always there to encourage me to take a break, third wheel with her and her boyfriend, or bring me treats after a long day. Having someone you can vent to or just chill out with will make a world of difference in your stress levels.
When you reach the point where you just “can’t even” anymore, remember what an amazing opportunity it is to be able to attend college, meet new people, and learn new things. While I’ve read inspiring stories of students who took 26-28 credit hours and worked part-time or even full-time, it’s important to realize we all have different capabilities and stress levels. Know your limits, and never be afraid to ask for help!
Thinking about taking on more classes this fall? How have you handled a new transition or major workload? Let me know in the comments!
