We’re near the end.
Okay, so that’s a tad dramatic, but as we rapidly approach the end of the semester, I can’t be alone in feeling like it’s literally the end of the world. Classes are getting ready for final projects and exams, all trying to get that last bit of information crammed into our heads before it ends. No matter your major or how long you’ve been doing this, you will most likely struggle (which is not at all a bad thing), and it’s important to take care of yourself to be able to maintain this intense educational immersion.
I am currently a senior, starting my masters, working a part-time job, and involved in HerCampus. I don’t have a lot of free time on my hands, and my education often outweighs any other priority, sometimes including my own health and sanity. But does that really help in the long run? It might seem obvious to some, but I’m not ashamed to admit it took me too long to accept that the answer is no. You can’t do something well if you can’t do anything at all. So I created a short list of tips to focus on yourself without taking up too much time or energy.
#1. Prioritize basic human necessities.
This too feels like an obvious statement, and I fear that many of these tips will fall into that category. However, sometimes obvious things lose that quality as we get more tired, stressed, or emotional. This is a perfectly normal response as college takes a lot of time and mental focus, and sometimes everyday tasks of living just slip our minds. Taking the time to make sure you are eating, sleeping, keeping yourself clean, and taking breaks often helps a lot more than you think it will, and making sure your health is taken care of can make or break you in the unstable environment of college.
#2. Just take a deep breath and do the thing.
I can’t offer you much homework or note-taking advice – everyone has different things that work for them, and figuring that out is part of what makes college so unique (also I procrastinate a little too often and cannot in good conscience recommend that). What I can do is share my observation that fear often holds us back from accomplishing, or even starting things, whether that’s a fear of failure, social anxiety, or anything else. What I have found effective is to stop and take a deep breath, and I don’t think that advice is given enough. It can even your breath and calm your thoughts, resulting in a clearer head and a more centered mindset. You know you can do this. It might not feel like it, but you already have been the entire semester. So go ahead, take a deep breath. Maybe two. Now go do that assignment, make that phone call, schedule that appointment, answer those emails, and have faith in yourself.
#3. Take breaks as needed, but make sure you take them.
I swear everybody needs them, even if you think you don’t. Oftentimes students try to get through their work in larger chunks, whether it’s because you don’t think you’ll get enough done or you get in a good rhythm, etc. I struggle with this one a lot because having to stop almost feels annoying or like a waste of time. However, taking breaks is essential to actually learning the material you’re working on, and putting fresh eyes on whatever you’re working on can be beneficial in producing better work. That being said, some people prefer a lot of breaks in order to focus (in which case I highly recommend The Pomodoro Technique), while some just need a few to refresh. So take the breaks needed to set yourself up for success.
#4. Try to do things just for you.
I will admit, this one does not necessarily fit my “quick and easy” rule, but I cannot recommend doing things for fun enough. It’s not always the best use of time, but doing things I enjoy, like painting or reading fiction, is how I remind myself why I’m here. I love to read and write but school can fill these tasks with dread or anxiety. Taking moments for myself brings back that passion and reminds me of what I appreciate about this life. It can do wonderful things for both your mental state and how you approach your schoolwork. So, when you can, try to find something fun that you can do that is just for you.
#5. Do your best.
It’s short but sweet. Just do your best. But what I must stress here is that your best won’t always be “good.” Sometimes your best is making it out of bed. Sometimes it’s getting everything done before the weekend. Your best will change on different days, and that’s okay. Your best is all you can do. What’s important is staying patient and being kind to yourself regardless. So, know that if you’re doing all you can, then you’re doing great.
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