Tips for Grads: Four steps to get you through the end of the semester
Personal and Interpersonal Effectiveness
The last few weeks of the semester can be filled with mixed emotions. The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and the days are getting longer so we have hope and something to look forward to (summer!). On the other hand, there are deadlines looming with research papers, final exams and group projects to complete that bring stress and anxiety. Here are a few tips to help you stay on task and manage the busy and overwhelming to-do list.
Manage deadlines. Be sure to enter key dates into your calendar and set reminders or notifications as needed. Schedule enough time to prepare and work prior to the deadlines so it does not get left to the last minute.
Break larger projects into smaller tasks. Dividing up larger projects into more manageable chunks of work won’t seem as daunting as trying to finish all in one sitting. Make a plan of how to break up the work and then take it day by day. Having daily goals and following the plan will keep you on track with less worrying.
Practice self-care. Be sure to get enough sleep and hydration, eat as best as you can, and incorporate some sort of break from your studies. You know what your body and mind need to be productive so build these activities into your schedule and daily routine.
Ask for help. If you are struggling with content in your class, a paper or project, or just feeling overwhelmed, ask your instructor, classmates, colleagues, or friends and family for help. Your support system wants you to succeed but they won’t know unless you say something.
