5 Ways To Avoid Stress This Semester

Back to school we go! I absolutely love school and planning for the coming semester is a joy, but like everyone else, I too find myself stressed and frazzled after the initial excitement wears off and work actually starts to pile up.

Here are my top 5 tips for staying sane this semester:

1. Plan ahead. I can not say enough about the value of knowing your obligations completely and having detailed what and when everything needs to get done. I keep a digital calendar (iCalendar) with color coded categories including work, class/school, PSE, Business Peer Mentors, blog, and other. This is mainly so I know where I need to be when, and in terms of class obligations I only put tests on this calendar- otherwise I would be totally overwhelmed! I keep the relevant information about assignments in my DIY notebook and keep a running list of all the tasks I need to complete aside from school.
2. Know your limits. I have the tendency to overcommit resulting in my work suffering and my poor mother having to listen to me tell her how there is simply too much to do; this is no one’s fault but my own though! Take some time to reflect on past semesters to identify what areas you excelled in, where you need to dedicate some more time, and what made you happiest. From there arrange your activities and obligations accordingly (with school as the top priority, naturally). This will allow you to avoid feeling overwhelmed and, if done right, should give you ample time for everything. Don’t feel locked in however; if you see that you are being pulled in too many directions have the strength to cut something.
3. Stay positive. Not everything will go perfectly according to plan but if you fail to stay positive, stress will be inevitable. Knowing that you are working to the best of your ability and have your priorities correctly in order can provide you with the peace of mind which will allow you to stay positive. Worrying when things go wrong is usually a waste of energy and a cause of stress. 
4. Take a break. As an ambitious college student it is easy to work yourself into the ground without a moment of rest. In the spring semester of my freshman year I continued on the path of overextending myself to the point where I was not only mentally but physically effected (acne for the first time, a cold for a good two months #sonotfun). Although I accomplished great things and wouldn’t change that semester for anything, moving forward as a wiser woman I can appreciate the value of taking a break when it is needed. 
5. When all else fails, take a deep breath. Remember that everyone (even the people who seem like they have it all together) gets stressed out; you’re not alone! Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and get back to work doing your best.

How do you avoid stress when the semester picks up?