Right now, classes are in full force. Tests, group projects, and presentations are all due within two days of each other, but I do not have the motivation to be productive. I find myself at 1 a.m.stuffing my face with popcorn, drinking coffee and scrambling to complete my work.
My schedule is pulling me in all directions, and I keep placing my top priority on the back burner. When I procrastinate, stress overwhelms me. I try to relieve this stress, but then I fall even more behind. If stress is causing your grades to suffer, know you are not the only one. This part of a larger infographic from mindbodygreen.com shows how not only does stress effect your academics, but women students are more likely to experience a larger amount of stress than men.
Where do we go from here? My heart tells me to grab a tub of ice cream and forget all of my problems, but I know that will not fix anything. I decided to make a plan to relieve my stress and complete my work efficiently and timely.
Part 1: Make a list
On Sundays, I make a list of tasks I need to accomplish and how much time each one will take. I arrange these tasks into highest priority to lowest priority. At the beginning of each day, I read over my list. Once a task is completed, I mark it off and move on to the next one.
Part 2: Change my routine
Normally, I wait until the end of the day to start on my assignments, but when I do this, I stay up late and cause myself to be drowsy for the next day. I changed my routine to start my day off with a cup of coffee and completing one assignment. Not only does this free my time for later, but it gives me confidence and drive to have a productive day.
Part 3: Know when to go
Immersing yourself into your academics is appropriate, but when your life revolves around your academics, you need to take a step back and relax. Go out with friends, watch a movie, or exercise so that your mind can be free for a couple hours. Be careful when freeing your mind because too much free time can lead to procrastination, which leads to more stress.
Stress is not fun, but life is full of it. Make a plan to rid your life of stress caused from academics, and this part of the semester will not be so awful. Until finals, then we will all stress our brains out.
-Kayleigh
Beyond the Mirror 