Genevieve Pallotta
In a fast-paced environment like Penn State, it is easy to feel overwhelmed balancing work, a social life and self-care. The pressures of staying involved in clubs and keeping up with friends and family can get the better of anyone, and it is important to allow oneself to take a break. How is time management possible and how can we prevent our workload from drowning us in hours
of studying? As a current junior, I have picked up some tactics from my experiences and friends that help me with time management.
Online Calendars
My online calendar is my best friend. Setting reminders for tests, meetings and projects allows me to prioritize assignments and check things off as I go. There are countless apps that can be downloaded on both laptops and phones which makes checking schedules on the go easy and efficient. Apps like ClickUP allow you to set reminders and give you alerts if you miss an assignment to ensure optimal time management.
Front-loading the Week
A tip from my friends they live by is front-loading the week with their assignments. Getting as much done as possible on Sunday-Thursday is their tried and true habit that helps them manage their busy workload. This tip is something that I am actively trying to implement into my work week as well. Not only is this tactic helpful for working, it also frees up more time towards
the end of the week for self-care and time with friends. Finding the balance for taking breaks is just as important as finding time to work.
Studying with Friends
Something that has also been helpful has been working in the library with friends. Holding one another accountable for showing up and staying on task is a form of group motivation for me. Although friends are in different classes and have different tasks, being with one another combines time with friends as well as being productive. Making friends in your classes and doing homework as a group offers up the opportunity to broaden your horizons and to make lasting academic relationships as well.
Taking Time for Yourself
We all need a lazy day here and there, so taking time for yourself is just as important as working hard. Going to the gym, taking a walk, or even watching a new movie are all great ways to decompress and destress. Finding a hobby like painting or cooking could also be a constructive way to break up your day and relax. Finding different activities that you find interesting is important in stimulating your constantly working mind.
Each semester throws new hurdles and challenges at us, but learning what works for you is pivotal in achieving success. College is a time for working and academically thriving, but it is also a time for growing as a person and socializing. Finding how time management can work for you will put daily stressors into perspective.
Happy Valley Comm 