Midterm exams are behind us, a major midterm election just ended, and the holiday season is upon us. Combine all of that with the “Fall Back” time change this week and you’ve got a world-class recipe for stress! This time of year, it’s easy to get overwhelmed; and for those adults who are also taking college classes, it can be hard to stay focused on the end goal. Perhaps that’s why the National Day Calendar has named the first Wednesday in November National Stress Awareness Day— a day to identify and reduce the stress factors in your life. Let’s talk about ways to deal with and alleviate some of this stress before it becomes unmanageable:
- Break large tasks up into bite-sized pieces and estimate how much time each piece will take. Working backward from your deadline, schedule in each piece of your task.
- Take breaks often. Every 45 minutes take a 15-minute break. Do something totally different that relaxes you or invigorates you - take a walk, listen to music, whatever refreshes you and reduces stress.
- Know yourself. What time of day do you have the most energy? If you are a morning person, don't attempt overwhelming tasks at night and vice versa.
- Time is your GREATEST asset in life. Try to stay organized. Plan your work & work your plan. Everything is manageable if you have a plan.
- Time management means learning to say "NO". Prioritizing your to-do list is not selfish. When you take care of yourself first, you will have more energy for others later.
- Skipping class means MORE stress. In the case of online class, this would be skipping assignments or discussions. If you miss these crucial aspects of your course, you will get behind and this causes more stress.
- Sleep SAVES time. Sleep deprivation can cause more fatigue and therefore studying will take even longer.
What are your tips to manage stress? Share your ideas and thoughts with us here. You never know how your ideas could help someone else!
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