Navigating online classes, living with parents/guardians, overwhelming news stories and the uncertainty of when all this will end can have you feeling totally off balance. Not having it all together during a pandemic is okay and to be expected. Focusing on what you can control, having a toolkit of stress relieving strategies, and allowing yourself time to take a break and rest will boost your overall wellbeing.
One way to try to find balance in your current life is by proactively managing your time. We are in the home stretch of the semester but being thrust into a new environment it can be hard to find a new routine. Following the tips below can help you finish the semester on top.
- Create a schedule and stick to it. This includes a healthy sleep routine (go to bed and wake up at the same time and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep).
- Make use of the “Do Not Disturb” feature on your devices. This allows you to focus in the present moment as trivial interruptions, whether self-imposed or caused by others, can add to stress.
- Prioritize your task using the categories below. These categories have been proven to be helpful in managing time and reducing stress.
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- Urgent and Important (things you couldn’t have foreseen, things left to last minute)– Crises, deadlines, meetings, exams
- Not urgent, but important (things that help you achieve your goals)– Preparation, planning, exercise, relationship-building, personal development opportunities
- Urgent, but not important (sometimes things that can prevent you from achieving your goals) – Minor interruptions, some emails, some phone calls, many popular activities (e.g. a football game)
- Not urgent and not important (distractions) – TV shows, social media, internet browsing, video games, busy work
4. Talk to a Wellness Coach! The Student Wellness Center offers free wellness coaching sessions, currently available via zoom. Learn more about wellness coaching by watching the video below.