It is getting to the point of the semester where deadlines keep coming up faster than you expected. Semester projects are in full swing and maybe some of the procrastination you have been doing is catching up to you. I know for me personally, I have group projects in all of my courses, so my schedule has been hectic trying to coordinate what times I can meet with each group in order for us to work on our project effectively. I know this is the case for many of my friends and I think college students as a whole, which causes stress making the situation worse. To combat this, we can try to participate in stress and time management techniques. Here is a list of effective time management skills that also help with stress management.
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- Use a planner.
A planner can help you to remember deadlines for projects and days that exams will be held. At the start of each semester, I like to write in the days that projects are due for each of my courses that way I do not forget. My favorite brand of planners are the Happy Planners because they have big blocks to put all of your daily tasks!
2. Learn to say “No”.
Being in college sometimes it is hard to say “no” in some situations because you may experience ‘FOMO’ or the fear of missing out. Your friends may ask you to do something fun, but you may have a test the next day which may lead you to say “no” even though you really want to say yes. Saying “no” sometimes can benefit you and save your grade. Trust me, you will be happier not going than getting a bad grade.
3. Plan “me” time to de-stress for a small amount of time each day.
Having a time set away each day to do something you like will give you the break you are in need of, but will also keep you on track. This time will help you to relax and participate in an activity you find joy in. For example, during this time you could take a walk outside, exercise, read or watch a movie!
4. If you have free time, work ahead on assignments.
If you somehow come across free time, use it to your advantage! Spend this time getting ahead on your assignments and studies. By getting ahead, you will be more prepared for class which can help to alleviate your stress.
5. Break up big tasks into a couple smaller achievable tasks.
Sometimes working on very large projects can be intimidating and can lead to procrastination. To avoid this, split your projects into smaller sections and work on it little by little.
6. Talk to a friend or family member.
If you have stress about an assignment or something else, try talking to a friend or family member about it. They can give you advice on how to approach the assignment or maybe even make you feel a little less worried about it.
7. Keep a time log.
Keeping a time log can give you insights on what exactly you are using your time on during the day. This can also help to show you where you are using your time unproductively and things you may need to do less of each day.
8. Prioritize more important tasks or projects that are due sooner.
If you have a lot on your plate, try to prioritize the assignments or projects that are due sooner to make sure you get them done on time!
9. At the end of the day use 5-10 minutes to clean up your space whether it be your desk or bedroom.
By decluttering your desk or bedroom at the end of the night, you will be able to start off the morning with a fresh perspective and a clean space.
10. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” if you are completing homework, studying or working.
If you are completing an important assignment or project, it may be a good idea to put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.” When your phone is buzzing and constantly illuminating with new notifications, you can easily get distracted which can lead to being unproductive. If you make the switch to putting your phone on DND, you will be able to get more work done and be able to fully focus on your task.
By trying new techniques and managing our time better, we can be less stressed and more productive. If we missed any of your top time management skills make sure to tweet us! Our username is @VilleHousing .