As a college student, you will understand the time in the semester when assignments and commitments pile up. Stress levels are to the max and everything puts you on edge. I’ve seen it in my friends and in myself. My first college crash out was over an online speech class where I had to film a speech about boomerangs. I could not get myself interested in the topic at all. This semester I have been trying new things to avoid this crash out. Here is what I’ve found to be helpful:
Having a morning routine
To refresh yourself on why morning routines are essential here is a blog post dedicated to that topic. In summary, your body needs routine. Starting your day off right ca n set you up for success. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have been going to the gym at 7am. This might sound unlike me, my athletic days are in my past. But I have taken the initiative to start my day getting exercise to awaken my body and stay healthier. I make sureto eat a full breakfast every morning.. Making my bed and putting on an outfit that I like has also motivated me to have a better day. It’s the little things. I have a kitchen now, so I don’t have a good excuse not to properly cook meals. I have also been making sure to give myself 30 minutes to walk to class even if class only takes me 15 minutes. Being early gives me time to get my brain in academic mode.
Scheduling and Planning
Making sure I have a strict time when I study helps my brain relax. I use the Apple calendar and this helps me get a view of my day on my phone so I don’t have to pull out my planner. Recently, I have been giving myself an hour to relax after my full day of classes/work so that I can focus better when I study. Creating that consistency helps me follow a schedule.
When I get to classes early I make sure I look at the course and stay ahead of readings and assignments to avoid the stress of assignments piling up. Using my planner, I make sure I have enough days to get through a reading or assignment on time to my best ability. Staying ahead helps me better understand what is happening in class as well.
Strict bedtimes
I have been giving myself a strict bedtime of 10pm. Whatever I can’t finish before 10pm can wait. I usually do this to prioritize the things that have sooner due dates to start earlier so as the night goes on, I get to things that can wait till the next day. This gives me enough time to have a full night’s rest. Getting enough sleep can help you become more productive and overall help with stress and anxiety.
In the past, there would be some nights I wouldn’t go to bed until 3am and at that point I felt like I was not functioning like a human. I was more of a robot. I tried to avoid that feeling by giving myself boundaries. To get myself to go to sleep faster, I either pick up my journal or read a book. This way I still feel like I am being productive before bed.
Giving yourself a break
Juggling everything that comes with being a college student can get very mentally taxing. Giving yourself time to relax and watch a comfort show, listen to music, watch a movie, etc. is more important than you think. Obviously try not to prioritize these things, but try to use this time as rewarding yourself at the end of your classes or homework. Being consumed in your stress is not healthy. Dedicating every waking second to homework will only result in burnout. Take a break and remember you are doing your best. Breaks are healthy, just don’t abuse them.
Being a college student is way more than just taking classes. You are setting yourself up for future success. I challenge the college students reading this to try and change something in your routine to take care of yourself more. Self care is so important when put in high stress situations. Remember you are in the right place at the right time and everything will work itself out!
♡ Hattie
The Glossed Over Blog 
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