Well, the winter semester is well underway. One thing that seems true every year is that the winter semester always drags on way longer than the fall semester did. I’m a current junior at the University of Michigan, and not only has this been a slow semester, but it’s been a busy one, too. I’m taking 5 courses, 18 credits, plus about 10 hours of work on top of that. In the chaotic winter storm that has become my life, I’ve picked up a few tricks that help me stay on top of the never-ending flow of essays, projects, and discussion posts.
1. Making a handwritten to-do list.
Google Calendar and other task management apps are extremely useful, don’t get me wrong. With the way our lives revolve around our devices nowadays, getting an actual notification for an upcoming deadline can be incredibly useful. But personally, I love to make myself a handwritten to-do list as well. I can make it pretty with highlighters and colorful pens, and even just the process of writing each item down can make the tasks seem a lot less overwhelming. Plus, it’s a little creative outlet to start your week, and that alone can be a huge benefit for managing the stress of a busy schedule.
2. Try to find consistency.
For me, this means getting the work done at a regular time and place, with a study buddy. When I have a regular study pattern, it makes it much easier to get back into the flow of work. Many schools even offer study spaces you can reserve in advance. Study rooms don’t just allow for a reliable routine but also provide a level of commitment to studying during the dedicated block of time.
3. Headphones and white noise are not just for sleeping.
Speaking of that study buddy, it’s important to make sure you’re actually studying. My best trick for this: headphones and white noise. Personally, my headphones are not soundproof at all. And, I really can’t focus on my homework if I’m listening to music. But even wearing headphones without sound creates a barrier and a mental reminder to stay locked in. If I’m really unfocused, white noise can act as a mute button for my brain. White noise helps quiet all those distracting thoughts that seem to cover everything but my homework.
4. Plan something to look forward to.
Finally, having something to look forward to is always the best motivator, but keep your goals in mind. Even if they’re not met when you had hoped they’d be. Plan a movie night with your friends! But if the work doesn’t get done in time, that movie night might need to become a study night. And that’s okay! You’ll still get to have some much-deserved quality time with your friends, and when the work is finally done, the movies will still be there.
What’s most important is that you take care of yourself and don’t burn yourself out. You are working hard, even if it feels like there’s always more to be done. Don’t minimize what you’ve already accomplished. You’re doing what you need to do, and you’re going to get that degree!
Featured image via Ron Lach on Pexels
