We all know that college comes with a lot of responsibilities: meeting deadlines, mastering your schedule, balancing your social life with academics, and becoming independent. These requirements of college are expected, but we don’t always have the tools to be able to succeed academically while also taking care of ourselves mentally. Because of this struggle with trying to find balance, I will be sharing four tricks I use to help maintain my peace!
Plan Ahead!
I find when I plan what needs to get done ahead of time I feel like a weight gets lifted off my shoulders. Taking about 10 minutes of my day on Sundays to organize my planner with my To-dos, and setting goals for what needs to get done each day, leaves me with more space to enjoy activities outside of school.
Identify Your Close Circle and Use Them!
In college we find “our people”. These are the friends that become a support system for you throughout your years here. In stressful times, we may feel like we are alone in this; when in reality we aren’t. Use those close connections with your friends to remind yourself that you aren’t alone and that there is a light under the mounds of work you have to finish.
Have “Alone Time”!
This tip is essential in finding peace amidst the chaos of college. When you are overwhelmed, create even just 30 minutes of “Me time”. This time can be spent any way you want; watching an episode of your favorite show, reading a new book you were excited about, working out etc. These little pockets of peace will remind you that school isn’t your entire life, and while it’s important for it to be a focus, your well being is important too.
Sleep!
Some may laugh when they see this tip but it is one of the most important. Your body needs sleep; whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, prioritizing getting the right amount of sleep is crucial to your overall well being and can affect your academic performance too. If you’re tired, studying late hours won’t benefit you. My parents once told me “nothing productive happens past 10 pm”, and this couldn’t be more true. You will remember more, be more attentive and have better moods when your sleep schedule is regular. And if you find yourself not getting enough sleep, trying to nap is a great way to get a boost of energy throughout those long days.
Hopefully these tips and tricks help you find your peace amidst the chaos of college, and you apply them to the rest of the school year! Remember that your emotional well-being is just as important as school and taking care of yourself will help you succeed in all corners of life.