Stress

Is it just me or managing time in colelge is the most stressful thing ever??????????????

Hi Osvaldo,

Managing your time in college is definitely stressful! But hang in there -- It does get easier with time as you adjust and learn to prioritize. But college should also be fun! Here are a few tips to help make your life more fun and less stressful:

1. If you don't already have one, get a calendar/day planner. Whether it's the pen and paper variety, electronic PDA or a calendar on your computer (iCal, Outlook), this will definitely help keep you organized. Write down class times, meetings, your work schedule, assignments due, and other important events. Always knowing what is ahead keeps your stress down.

2. Concentrate on one or two extracurricular activities only. Spreading yourself too thin leads to stress and does not allow you to devote as much time or effort to these clubs as you could. Find one (or maybe two) organizations you really enjoy, are passionate about, and/or will help you after you graduate and focus on those.

3. Eat and sleep well. You will perform better when you eat regularly and choose healthier foods. I know this can be hard in college, so keep a stash of healthy snacks like nuts, whole grain crackers and fiber-rich granola bars. This will help you stay alert. Getting on a regular sleep schedule will help with stress and focus as well. It sounds simple, but it will really help!

4. Remember that academics come first! You are in college to get an education and that is your number one priority. Once you get used to college life, you can add more extracurricular activities, nights out with friends, or more hours at work. A little investment now will pay off big time!

Remember also that your college counselor is there to help you! Their job is to give you advice on your classes and your extracurricular activities and help you get through your college years.

I hope this helps! Best of luck!
-Amber George

I also find it stressful to manage all my responsibilities. Some of these ideas may help.Thanks Amber!

Sometimes you have no other choice than dropping a class if you've overbooked yourself. Nothing wrong with that, I think.

Noah, you make a good suggestion. It is better to have a reasonable load of classes and be able to dedicate enough time to each and do well, than to take on too many classes and do mediocre in each.

- Jazmin