Is it just me or did the fall semester fly by? And I mean REALLY fly by. 

In my last installment of this series, I talked about adjusting to change with the start of the semester. Look where we are now! I can’t believe time has passed so quickly.  

Now, if you know anything about nearing the end of the semester, it is one of the most hectic times for college students. Leading up to Thanksgiving break and the two weeks that follow thereafter, it feels like many of us are just existing.

If we aren’t completing last-minute assignments or projects, then we are studying for finals. If we aren’t finishing our final papers, then we are just starting them. I’m sure many of you get the gist, it seems that free time doesn’t exist at the current moment. 

In these past two weeks, I feel like I haven’t had the time to catch my breath. Usually, I am a student that works ahead, but that’s not the case anymore. I feel like no matter how hard I try, it doesn’t work out in my favor. Now, if you carry this same exhausted attitude, I assume that stress has become an indefinite issue. Lucky for you, on behalf of personal experience and a bit of research, I compiled a list of ways to eliminate and or manage stress.

Of course, stress will always exist. That’s unfortunately the way life is. But, we need to learn how to manage it, especially during busy seasons like the end of the semester when our bodies feel overworked and tired. So, let’s learn of some healthy outlets to reduce stress.

#1- Effectively use your time. 

Time management looks different for everyone. While one person may finish their work in one sitting, another might choose to break it up in intervals. Each student has a preferred productivity method that helps effectively manage time and maintains their focus. Therefore, before even thinking about how to manage your time, why not understand your productivity method?

If I can be honest, usually I am the most productive when struck with a wave of motivation. Of course, it seems to hit when laying in bed at 3 a.m. And at that point, do I really feel like leaving my comfy bed to do work? 

Since this motivation is unexpected, it cannot be heavily depended upon. So, what if we delegated specific blocks of time that are strictly used for studying or doing schoolwork? What if we placed our phones to the side and provided our full attention to what is actually important? 

One method that students lean towards is the Pomodoro Technique. If you are someone who is easily distracted, typically works past optimal productivity, or enjoys goal-setting, this technique might work for you! The Pomodoro Technique is typically broken down into 25-minute intervals of focused work where five-minute breaks follow! 

In the todoist’s “The Pomodoro Technique- Why It Works & How To Do It”, they provide a simple breakdown of this technique. If you were to try this, you would first start your 25-minute timer and focus on a singular task until the time is finished. Then, you are to record what was completed in the session. After this, enjoy a short five-minute break. Once you complete four rounds of pomodoros, you are entitled to a longer 15-30 minute break. 

Utilizing the Pomodoro Technique has plenty of benefits like boosted productivity, makes starting large projects and or assignments less intimidating, combats distractions, and allows us to recognize how we personally manage our time. If you are interested in using the Pomodoro Technique, try out this online timer!

#2- Set realistic expectations. 

I’ll be the first to say, I don’t always follow this tip even though I should. If you have an overachieving mind like mine, there’s a million things you would like to accomplish in one day. And unfortunately, this expectation can’t always be met. 

If you become extremely critical of yourself when this occurs, have you considered the following: maybe your body is tired and exhausted from a lack of sleep? Maybe your mind needs a break from constantly working? Maybe you just need time to unwind and recompose. All of these are valid reasons as to why you were unable to reach set expectations ,and they shouldn’t prompt feelings of self-hatred or disgust. 

So, then why do we fill our plates until it’s overwhelmingly full? And I’m not talking about Thanksgiving dinner plates either. In all seriousness, although many of us find motivation in having a busy schedule, if we are unable to complete or full-fill objective(s) in-mind, inadequacy often results. If our goal is to manage stress, then why aren’t we being realistic about personal goals?

I will preach this time and time again- our bodies weren’t designed to run on empty. We need fuel. We need breaks. And we also need to understand the importance of setting realistic expectations. I encourage you to remain honest with yourself and your goals. You know what your body needs, so be gentle with yourself and do what is necessary. 

#3- Take a moment to breathe. 

Personally speaking, when I feel severely overwhelmed, I often forget about taking a moment to breathe. Although it’s quite simple in theory, many of us students forbid to disrupt our groove once we start working. Yes, sometimes taking a long-winded breath can seem like a nuisance, but is often needed whether we would like to admit it or not. 

How about we take a deep breath together? Regardless if you are sitting at your computer, solving problems out of a textbook, or are in the midst of studying, momentarily stop what you are doing.

Sit up straight, inhale through your nose, hold it in for five-seconds, and release. If you need to do this a few more times, go ahead! 

Now, don’t you feel slightly better? I know this is such a miniscule act, but it helps bring mental clarity as it provides a moment to recompose. If this wasn’t evident enough, there are simple ways to reduce stress by using accessible tools like breathing exercises. They are quick and effective, which many of us workaholics should use on a daily basis. 

#4- Don’t Oppose Asking for Help. 

I know many of us, including myself, can act a bit stubborn in moments when we should ask for help. But throughout my time in college, I have learned that asking for help isn’t a bad thing. 

Although it seems that asking for help is stigmatized, you need to do what is in your best interest. If that means reaching out to counseling services, booking a tutoring appointment, or contacting your professor(s), you should feel no shame. Disregard the idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness because in fact, it is not. 

With reference to Shift Workplaces, asking for help shows signs of strength, confidence, and resourcefulness. In almost all cases, professors prefer that you raise questions or ask for help if uncertain. Most of the time, other students share the same concerns. Therefore, it can’t hurt to raise your voice as you could be helping others along the way. 

At Holy Family, I was lucky enough to have professors that are easily approachable and understanding. If you present them with your concerns, it is highly unlikely that they will deny them. It is their job to help you, and they are more than willing to, if you take that first step. 

I’ll admit that it can be a bit daunting to ask for help. But in reality, how can a student go throughout college without ever asking a single question? It never happens. 

The next time you need help, I advise that you work up the courage to ask. In doing so, it shows your professor that you are a student who is concerned with their studies and would like additional support or insight. Who knows, maybe taking this step will let you build more cordial relations with the professor. This could help down the road with letters of recommendation or an internship! 

#5- Take Part in Meaningful Activities.

I hear it already, Kait, I don’t have the time for any activities. Yes, you do. In your head, it may seem like you have no time, but if you reduced the amount you sit on your phone scrolling, I’m sure you would find some. 

Listen, I am the first one to say it. One of my family members brought this up to me the other day, and I have to admit, they’re right that I frequently use this lame excuse. So, I decided to change it. 

Instead of sitting on my phone at night, I began reading a book that I abandoned mid-way through. And it’s not because I didn’t like it, I just read so much for class that I don’t typically enjoy this activity during my free-time. But, I have noticed that I genuinely like reading as it calms me down before bed. 

Yes, this is a busy week with finals approaching and the holiday season nearing by. Yet, it is still important that I engage in activities that I am genuinely interested in and you should too! Just because you may have a hectic schedule or an overbearing amount of stress lying on your back does not mean that you abandon the things you enjoy. At that point, there is no enjoyment in living. 

Returning to the activities that make us feel happy, excited, and content is one of the most effective ways to manage stress. Remember that your entire life shouldn’t consist of work; there should be an equal balance. Allow yourself to have a break once in a while. You deserve it and so do I!

…

As a fellow, stressed out student, I hope that by reading this article, you learned some useful tips to manage stress. As the holidays are approaching, allow yourself to live in the moment and take-in your surrounding environment. Often, stress can make us feel absent, and we certainly don’t want that around the holidays. 

So, I encourage you to use these tips to your advantage, if you found them helpful. Please take care of yourself this semester and beyond!

Kaitlyn Cross is a fourth-year English student minoring in Creative Writing and Marketing/Management. She is currently working with Tri-Lite for an internship.