As we all find ourselves in the chaos of the culminating semester, here are a few quick tools to make the month of April more manageable:
Managing Time:
- Write it down. Make a list of everything you have to do with deadlines and keep it in one place.
- Prioritize. Check out Covey’s Quadrant system:
- Attitude.
- Try telling yourself you enjoy something about everything you have to do.
- Experiment with thinking about how what you do helps others because this scientifically may help you feel like you HAVE MORE TIME.
- Remember to hit “Save” on time-intensive documents regularly.
Managing Health:
- One orange a day. Eating an orange every day can boost your immune system to ward off stress-induced sickness.
- Meditate for 5 minutes. Taking five minutes to refocus and relax does wonders for the mind and body and will make you more productive.
- Water, water, water. Try taking a few sips from a water fountain every time you pass one, or take the quick opportunity to refill your water bottle.
- Step outside for a breath of fresh of air. And stretch a little while you’re at it.
- Laugh.
- Sleep. If you find yourself short on sleep, try to sleep for a multiple of 90 minutes, the average length of a sleep cycle. You are more likely to feel refreshed when you wake up.
- Smile. It’s good for you and the people around you.
Managing Motivation
- Remind yourself why what you are doing is ultimately important.
- Give yourself breaks to refresh your focus.
- See yourself as a work in progress.
- Encourage yourself and those around you.
- Be inspired by motivation in positive peers.
Best of luck in this busy time!
Thanks for reading! (Now go practice!)