My Account
As the end of the school year comes to an end, so does my tolerance and motivation. April is a struggle month. You only have a few more weeks to raise your grades. Plus, you have all your end of the semester projects and finals to also worry about. If you’re anything like me, you lay in bed and watch Shameless and then freak out the day it’s all due. I could write an entire blog ranting about how stressed I am and all the things I need to do, but that’s why I have a boyfriend. Instead, let’s go over how to get past wanting to rip your eyes out, and avoid taking three Nyquil’s just to get a goods night sleep.
Breathe
I know this is obvious, but it goes deeper than just allowing your lungs to do their thing. Breathe to take a break. Breathe to let all the negativity out. Breathe to remind yourself that you are still, in fact, breathing.
Eat
When I’m insanely busy, I forget to eat. It’s not that it actually slips my mind, I just feel like I have better things to do. But, you need to make food a priority. Eating (especially healthy) boosts your energy, mood, and overall ability to think. Healthy fats like nuts, peanut butter, and avocados are going to give you that extra energy and keep you fuller longer.
Prioritize
Write out a list with little check boxes beside each item in order of most important (usually this is chronological according to its due date). This way you know exactly what you need to do and when without any second guessing.
Nap
I know, I know this is counterproductive but totally worth it. You need sleep to function and also, just for yourself. Not only are you going to wake up refreshed, but you get 30 minutes to an hour all to yourself. You don’t need to worry about a single thing, and you can think about what you want for awhile.
Listen to something
Whether at work or in the library, I have headphones in. I either listen to music that I know extremely well (that way I don’t get caught up trying to listen to the words), audio books, or even speeches. Old music is great while you’re trying to read or study. It gives you something nostalgic and comfortable to not focus on. Audio books and speeches are good for when you’re doing something you really don’t need to think about; repetitious work or in my case, painting. Spotify has a ton of books and poems you can listen to, and Youtube has thousands of speeches. Both of these are extremely calming for me and make me forget that I’m so busy for a little while.
Stop Saying Yes
I say yes to everything and everyone. This is only a bad thing if you allow it be (which I have). I am swamped with school, work, painting projects, and trips, all because I can’t say no. If you’re too busy to do something extra, be honest with yourself. Don’t just assume you can pull an all-nighter to get it done because that’s not normal. Take on a healthy workload and work through that before you add more. I’m a sucker for trips, which I prioritize basically before everything else, but I should realize that means less work.
Something You Enjoy
Like a nap, take some time to yourself. I promise that 20 minutes of you doing something that calms you, is so worth it. Personally, tanning in a bed is so comforting for me. It’s fifteen minutes in a warm bed that I can either play on my phone or sleep. It’s great. Maybe yours is something healthier, like yoga or walking. Maybe it’s an episode of your favorite show or a bag of hot Cheetos. I don’t care, just do something you enjoy.
Move
I shake my leg at all times. I don’t even think about it, but when I’m sitting down, my leg is moving. I think this is because it’s giving my body something to do, while my mind is working. Makes sense to me. Some people fidget with their pencils or click their tongue. If none of these are natural to you, get some putty and play with it in your hand. It’s surprising what a difference it will make.
Motivation
You’re doing your best and that’s all that really matters. Mom’s are great for motivation, so are your best friends and significant other. Turn to them when you need to rant about that dumb*ass professor, the assignment you put off until the night before (me right now) or just a reminder that you’re amazing and can totally do this.
If you don’t have any of those, you have me! You’re doing great. Maybe you’re not thriving, but I know you’re doing the absolute best that you can personally do. School, work, relationships, life, it’s all hard, you’re supposed to be struggling. You’ll get past it though, and when you do, you’ll be so grateful you went through the hardships, they make it worth it. A college degree wouldn’t be as valuable if it was a breeze and you never had to fight for it. That bonus at work was earned because you worked hard and made yourself worthy. Take it day by day, and get a good nights rest.
XOXO, Sarah
