We all know the feeling too well: everything’s fine for weeks until that two week block when everything’s suddenly due (even though you knew this since week 1) and you’ve no idea where to start and it’s all getting a bit much. Believe me, it’s happened on too many an occasion but over the past 4 years in college and I’ve found some ways to keep the stress levels down, my head on straight and most importantly: the work done on time. The real lesson I should have learned is how to not end up in that exact position, but who is really that prepared? Well, you now will be as below I have listed a few tips to get you started on college work to help stay organised, manage the stress that comes with assignments and group work, as well as a few incentive tips and stress relief tips if you didn’t follow the preventative tips. Best of luck!
Organisation is the key to success. Honestly a study planner the best purchase I make every year. Even for just everyday appointments or group meetings, hours your working that weekend, a study planner or diary is the way forward ladies and gents! I’d be lost without mine because no matter how on top of things I like to believe that I am, more than once I’ve flipped the page to the next week and found I’ve an assignment due that I’d completely forgotten about – oops! Knowing what you’ve to do and having a clear plan, as we learn in every commerce module is the key to success. It works wonders when you’re on top of your head busy and somehow knowing exactly what you have to do in those 5 assignments for Friday lessens the stress.
You hate to admit it but Mammy is right: messy room, messy mind. I’m very much a midnight cleaner when I realise what I have due in the next few weeks and think ‘oh god, better get going’ after ignoring all responsibilities, including cleaning my room, for an undisclosed period of time and decide tomorrow’s the day to start! What I’ve found is every good plan starts with a clean room or space for you to work. There’s something soothing about being in an organised environment, it helps to organise the rest of your work and keeps you focused because who can really get their best work done when they're being distracted by the 10 cups piled on their bedside locker??
Yes, I know bribery is wrong but it’s the only reason I’m trying to get my assignments done. Procrastination is an all too familiar concept for many of us but knowing you’re getting something nice for throwing a few words into a google doc makes it that much easier, doesn't it? This doesn’t have to be anything major; it can be anything from a bag of crisps when I finish studying A, B and C or it could be those shoes I’ve wanted for ages if I do well in an exam. Whatever works for you or whatever motivates you that extra little bit to get the work done. Of course this shouldn't be used for every single thing as the novelty wears off but when you'd rather just drop out than sit and actually write the essay you've planned weeks ago it's perfectly okay to bribe yourself! Just little rewards on the way to getting overall reward of your degree at the end of college.
Dogs can sense things and you’d hate to think your wee dog was stressed out because of you. If it’s all getting a bit much maybe go out and play with your dog, go for a walk, throw a stick, give them squishes. For me there’s nothing better than coming home to your doggo after a rough day. You both feel much better afterwards and chances are you’ll be fresher after a walk and get some solid work done afterwards. Sometimes the best thing you can do is step away from the books and just get out of the house and why not bring your dog too. Exercise releases endorphins and happy hormones which will lift your mood and hopefully adjust your mindset for when you get back to work later on. You may even have that eureka! moment mid walk, either way a bit of exercise never did anyone any harm did it?
It sounds silly but sometimes all you need is an exfoliate, a facemask and a cuppa! Taking an hour out when you feel on the verge of a meltdown is far easier than spending the rest of the day or week in a blind panic jut going through the motions and spending more time worrying about what you’ve to do than actually doing any of it. I find trying to anticipate the stress of a big week coming up helpful and so the Sunday night will be ‘sort out my life’ time: shower, exfoliate, facemask, moisturise, blowdry hair, fresh jammies, cuppa and when I’m cool, calm and collected (kind of), I’ll sit down with that trusty study planner and make a realistic plan of what I’m doing every day and how I can get work done in between lectures, meetings and whatever else I have on. I find this helpful even if I know what I've to do to just sit down and go over everything and find out where I'm at and take time to plan group meetings for that week too. Also, your skin will look fab for the week!!