As we get deeper and deeper into the semester, it seems our responsibilities drown us even further.
Everyone says it is so incredibly difficult to juggle school, work, sleep and a social life, but at this point in my life, there is no juggling going on. School and work seem to be the only players in the game.
When I start seeing each week as just another week to get through in hopes of the next week being better is when I need to take a step back from this cycle.
Take a break.
Sometimes the anxiety of all the assignments and tests we must study for become too overwhelming, and mental breakdowns ensue.
The trick is to know when to stop and give yourself a quick breather.
Studying until the early hours of the morning before a test never works for me. Getting only three hours of sleep makes me feel sick and much too exhausted to function, let alone take an exam worth half my grade. If I didn’t know the content eight hours before the test, I most likely will not know it anyway, so I would rather sleep those hours and wake up alert enough to take the exam.
It is incredibly important to know your limits and understand what works best for you. If you are feeling burnt out, take a break. Your homework will be there when you get back.
No matter how much homework you do today, there will always be something to do for the next week and for the week after that. The cycle is never-ending.
Self-care is so important.
There is no shame in setting your homework aside for an hour or two to head over to Juju Bar or attend an event on campus. Take that time to enjoy yourself and leave your responsibilities behind for a little while.
When you get back, I guarantee you will feel rejuvenated and ready to take on that five-page paper.
Don’t get me wrong. We are in college and certainly our main priority is school, but feeling an overwhelming amount of stress is not good for your mental or physical health.
Stopping the mental breakdown before it happens will save you unnecessary stress and tears. Take steps to better yourself and know taking time for yourself is completely OK.
Next time the stress of school and work begins to get to you, take a nap, watch a movie, play some soccer. I promise it helps.
