It seems like it is that point in the year where stress is at an all time high for students alike. Work and obligations are piling up and leaving many to feel as though they are drowning. It is easy to want to shut down when you are faced with more that you can handle, but these tips will hopefully be able to allow you to get things done.
Prioritize
Make a list either in your head or on paper that details all of your obligations. Then sort through which ones are the most important and time sensitive to accomplish. Not only will this help you put things into perspective, it will help you stay on task. It is imperative that you take things one assignment at a time to help stop you from feeling overwhelmed.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
It’s hard to have to do everything alone. Sometimes, it is not even necessary. Having an open discussion with your teachers or employers about what you are struggling with may surprise you. Most of the time, people will be gracious and understanding if you need extensions or assistance with your obligations. Making your struggles known often times relieves stress since you are temporarily putting responsibility on someone else’s shoulders. It never hurts to ask for help, and even if you do not get the response you were looking for, speaking out about what is causing you stress is mentally beneficial.
Take breaks
Incentives are the key to boosting productivity. They help you find the motivation to accomplish even the most emotionally draining obligations. Incentives are unique to everyone so first ask yourself what you would want to do with your time if you did not have to stress-inducing tasks. For example, if you would rather be playing with your dog instead of doing an essay, allow yourself 20 minutes of play time with your dog after you finish writing a paragraph. Not only is it motivational, but it is also imperative since your brain needs breaks after moderate periods of intense focus.
Accept your limitations
You can only do so much in a given time frame, so it is important to acknowledge to yourself how much work is physically possible to accomplish. At some point, it is beneficial to your mental health to accept what you are unable to finish. In the end, being mentally stable is more important than any assignment and the consequences of not being able to complete it.
