Too Much Going On? How to Juggle it All Without Losing Your Mind

By: Maureen Corbett

As the new semester is still just beginning, it can be quite a struggle to get back into the swing of things. The couch in your living room and Mom’s home cooking probably provided you with quite a long period of relaxation, so you may have forgotten what it’s like to be busy. And if you’re anything like me, this semester is going to be busier than ever. I just became a member of the LACD internship team, and while I am out-of-my-mind excited for this great opportunity I have a lot of other stuff going on too. I am taking 16 credit hours, involved in a research project with one of my professors, a member of X-Works Dance Company at Purdue, and I’m also planning on rushing Co-Ops in February.  So how does one honor all these commitments and balance all these activities without wanting to tear your hair out? Here are a few helpful tips:

1.   1.    Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

This is the main goal. I know I am not the only one who likes to be busy and be involved in a lot of different things, but we all need to be aware that we have our limits. If you spread yourself too thin it will start to reflect in your work quality. So take a moment and honestly assess all the projects you are tackling this semester, and decide if it is feasible for you to do them all. If yes then great, but if you need to quit that extra cooking class or lacrosse team then you should take action. Don’t be afraid to say “No.”

2.   2.    “Out of Clutter, Find Simplicity.” –Albert Einstein

In other words, organize. Invest in a planner and write down everything that you need to accomplish during the day, week, and month. Once you have it all on paper, recognize what needs to get done first and prioritize.  Also, keep your work station clear and materials organized so you have room to think. Find a system that works for you and use it to your benefit to make your life less hectic.

3.      3. ProcrastDON’Tation

I know we have all heard this from Day One of our very first kindergarten class, but procrastinating on important assignments is a very ineffective way to work.  When you are first assigned a project, sit down and assess how many hours it will take to complete. Find time in your week where you know you can get the work done, and pencil it in to your planner. And then get to work! Forcing yourself to do things in a timely manner will create less stress for you in the long run.

4.      4.  Communicate Effectively

If you are involved in multiple organizations, make sure your superiors know that you have other commitments. It’s best to be upfront in the beginning of the semester and let them know that you are engaged in other things so that you can work out any conflicts or overlaps early. It angers people if they feel that you are not as committed to their organization as you should be, and you don’t want to upset the people you are working with. If you have to miss a meeting or practice, send emails or texts regarding this information as early as possible so that your superiors can work around your schedule.

5.    5.   Don’t Forget to Breathe!

Take a break every now and then! Relax a little, and don’t be afraid to have fun. You’ll make it through this semester just like you have every other semester, so keep your head up and don’t let your workload stress you out.