Allison Williams
One of the most distinct moments from high school has to be from Spanish class, dating all the way back to my junior year. Our teacher took some time before class to highlight one of the best, most distinctive pieces of advice I’ve ever heard, and probably, will ever hear.
She emphasized what a toll stress can physically take on your body, highlighting how it can truly wreak havoc on a seemingly “healthy” individual. Emphasis on the “seemingly.”
The physical effects of stress are something we as humans rarely ever acknowledge. That is one thing that 21-year-old me, almost five full years out of that Spanish class, thinks about on a daily basis. And it’s something you should think about, too.
- Separating school and home
This is huge for me. I try to go somewhere to get my work done, whether it’s taking a trip to the library or heading to the Willard Media Center between my classes. I like to be in an environment that is not too comfortable, like for example, my bed.
Sitting at a quiet table is primetime for buckling down and just Getting. It. Done. That way, I don’t feel overwhelmed in my space at home. This separation allows me to utilize my home as a place to unwind and relax. Somewhere where I can truly consider a sanctuary; everyone needs a place like that. Especially in college.
- Find joy in cleanliness
This may sound a bit strange to some of you, but I find such joy in taking a relaxing bath or shower at the end of every day. Whether it’s turning my music on full blast and jamming out or lighting a candle and soaking in a bubble bath, it’s a great way to really forget about stressors and overall tension.
- Time-management
Yep. I still have trouble with this one. In college, it’s easy to feel like you’re always drowning in work. Or you can never catch up, no matter how much you do. It becomes ever so easy to hold onto that laptop until midnight. I am telling you now, this is not the way to be.
A few years ago, I came across a Reddit thread, which talked about treating school as though it is a 9-5. Shutting off the laptop after 5 pm and being able to relax and enjoy your night is a great practice to get into. It’s a routine that is very productive, but not always achievable. On days where you could, I would highly recommend putting this theory to use.
- Get your rest
It seems like the most impossible thing ever in college. Usually this is due to a lack of routine, which I believe most kids experience during this time. Something that really helps me when my sleep schedule is really off the wall: melatonin.
According to sleepfoundation.org, “Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain and then released into the bloodstream. Darkness prompts the pineal gland to start producing melatonin while light causes that production to stop. As a result, melatonin helps regulate the circadian rhythm and synchronize the sleep-wake cycle with night and day. In doing so, it facilitates a transition to sleep and promotes consistent, quality rest.”
Of course, I would only use it sparingly. But it can really help get your body back into order when it seems impossible to go to bed earlier than 3 am.
P.S. don’t take it after 11 pm. You won’t wake up the next day. I speak from personal experience, just don’t do it.
- Take time to socialize
Finding that time to unwind and spend time with your friends is one of the main aspects of college, and quite frankly, a time in your life to really take advantage of. Like I mentioned earlier, having a 9-5 routine, if it’s possible, will be a key factor in managing school/life balance.
In college, I’ve found truth in the decade-old saying, “it’s not always about what you’re doing, but more importantly, who you’re doing it with.” I found people that I can engage in quality conversation with and doing so is really something I value in my work/life balance. Not only that but enjoying a get together on the weekends with people I value, and who value me, is a great way to separate myself and let go of a seemingly impossible workload.
I hope you can find value in these five tips I use when college seems impossible. Remember, this is a time that should be highly valued. Breathe and look after yourself. You’ll thank me later.
Happy Valley Comm 