Does anyone else waste so much time because they are so worried about time management? I get so fixated on getting a task done by a specific time, planning my days by the time, becoming focused on how many days/hours I have left to work on an assignment, etc. I have started covering up the clock on my laptop (unless I have a deadline that day of course), and it has been so much more peaceful. If anyone has any tips or can relate, please let me know! I’m so tired of time management causing me anxiety instead of decreasing it.
Take a second to breathe. Fill up your water bottle. Light a candle or turn on your diffuser. Remember that your planner is a guideline, not the end all be all. It is okay if today didn’t look exactly like you thought it would. Be gentle with yourself, work hard, and remember that you can do anything that you put your mind to.
3 Lessons from a Former Overachiever/Burnt Out Student
3.17.22
When I was in high school, I was CEO of Overachieving. I was top of my class, president of every club that my school offered, and I got into my dream school. But I was so tired, anxious, and burnt out. I carried the burden of perfectionism throughout my first semester of college and even into the first two months of this spring semester.
Achievement is wonderful. Dream your dreams, set your goals, and work hard for your future. But do not neglect your present self at the expense of your future self. Personally, this results in burnout and stress. While this lesson is difficult, I have condensed this pursuit into three manageable steps.
1. Focus on input, not outcome.
During high school and the beginning of college, I would always focus on the outcome instead of my input. I would become paralyzed with fear when studying, which would reduce the effectiveness of my revision. Instead of being proud of myself for the five hours of review that I did for a test, I would picture receiving x grade on the test. This was a harmful mindset, and I learned to instead focus on how effectively I was studying. After all, I cannot control what happens. I can only control my actions.
2. Plan your rest days.
THIS. I cannot express how many times I was overcome with anxiety and tried to focus on an assignment for 7+ hours straight, only to get nothing done and feel like a failure. YOU NEED REST DAYS. It is so important for your mental health to plan your rest days in advance. This way, you can work ahead to ensure proper relaxation and be refreshed when returning to your academic work. And rest days do not have to be confined to weekends. I often find that my best rest days are when I planned them during the week. For instance, I went to the beach with friends yesterday, in the middle of the week. The mere thought of this would have caused past me to shudder. To ensure proper relaxation, I was incredibly productive on the days leading up to this adventure!
3. Create a life you love.
I know, much easier said than done. However, there are little steps that you can take to create a life you love. Set up a customized routine that you enjoy. I brainstormed what my typical week looked like, including studying, sleeping, eating, exercising (or at least attempting to), reading my Bible, journaling, working for classes, etc. Then, I created a schedule specifically for me that allows me to do the things I need and want. This has reduced my anxiety so much. I also try to find a little vacation in each day, whether it’s watching an episode of my favorite show curled up in bed, making myself an iced coffee while I complete my readings, or journaling with a candle. Buy a cute water bottle. Decorate your room. Call your friend. Take a walk. Spend time with those you cherish. Create the life you love.
BONUS TIP: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE reach out for help.
I do not know where I would be mentally or spiritually if I did not reach out to people at my Bible study, the Disability Services at my school, and my doctor about my anxiety. Please, please, please reach out for help if you are feeling anxious, depressed, lonely, or overwhelmed. You are not alone. You are loved, cherished, and adored by the Lord!
After a weekend full of assessments (1 exam, 1 quiz, 1 paper, and 1 assignment), I slept in really really late. It was a perfect, spontaneous day filled with lots of mini adventures!
I met up with a friend for lunch, ice cream, and shopping
I did some mindless social media scrolling
I started reading a new book
I ate dinner with some friends
I wrote in my journal
I enjoyed the morning rain while I drank some coffee
I listened to some jazz music while I cleaned my post-exam room (does anyone else’s room get trashed when they revise for an exam??)
I bought a new sketchbook and some art supplies. I recently rewatched the little women movie from 2019 (one of my favorites), and was inspired yet again by amy’s character and her art
I did a facemask
I am so thankful it is spring break; I am excited to relax at home!
Here’s a quick reminder: there is no wrong or right way to be a student. We are all learning. That’s what academia is for! Learning! You got an A on the exam? Cool! You got a C on that quiz? Okay, what can you learn from it?
Your academic journey is not going to look the same all the time. But guess what, you’re learning! You’re growing!
Hi there! This is my first post, so I figured that I would introduce myself!
- I am a freshman in college, and I study public relations! The name of my blog came from my love of coffee and the press releases that one must write in public relations.
- I love Jesus.
- Yes to literature, quill pens, all the coffee, cozy blankets, and pets.
- The Office, Gilmore Girls, and Downton Abbey are my comfort shows.
- I used to want to be a veterinarian or a doctor, but I quickly learned that I am not gifted in stem! I wish I loved science, though. I find medical careers fascinating.
- English and history have always been my favorite subjects to study.
- Politics fascinates me. I enjoy learning about court cases and political figures for fun.
- Despite my love of learning, I deal with a lot of anxiety about school and life in general.
I made this studyblr because I wanted to have a passion project and an outlet for my studies!
Happy studying!
the press in espresso @thepressinespresso - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
