Samantha
As nursing majors, school can get very overwhelming very fast (trust me, I know!). On top of having a full course-load, working, and participating in clubs or extracurricular activities, it is easy to feel like you have absolutely no time to relax or hang out with friends. If you do not have an organized schedule you will soon start to feel like you are behind on work before you even get started. Over my past few years in college, I have learned a lot of great strategies for staying organized:
TIP #1: BUY A PLANNER
Using a planner is a great way to keep track of assignments, classes, meetings, your work schedule, and time with friends. I personally use a digital planner on my iPad as well as putting super important events in google calendar, so I get the notifications on my phone prior to the event. I also color coordinate things-- meetings are blue, work is red, and assignments due dates are highlighted in yellow.
TIP #2: PLAN AHEAD
When trying to balance work, homework, and extracurriculars it is important to plan ahead. For example, if I know I have an intramural cornhole game at night and class all day, I will make sure to have any assignments due that night done the night before. Or, if you typically study at night but have work 6-9 the night before a big test, plan to study from 12-3 instead of trying to cram it all in at 9:30 at night.
TIP #3: FIND TIME FOR FRIENDS
When you have a busy schedule, it can be easy to put your social life last. Finding time for friends and family is so important though. When you are around people you love, you laugh, have fun, and relax. This helps put you in a better mood and you will most likely be able to concentrate better when you sit down to do work next. Don't feel guilty about taking time to do something fun! Your work will be there when you get back. Some easy and quick things you can do when you see you see you have an hour or two of free time are:
Call your parents for an hour
Get lunch with a friend-- you’ll save time cooking AND you get to go out for a little!
Go for a run or walk with a roommate-- exercise gets endorphins flowing and will clear your mind to get you feeling so much better
Watch an episode of your favorite show with a friend
Facetime a home-friend to catch up, even if only for a quick 15 minutes!
Another great idea to study with friends! Find a friend to grab coffee with and study for a few hours. Even if you don't talk it is nice to have someone's company while working :)
It is SO important to find a balance between your academics and social life. Spending time with friends is a great way to relieve stress and keep you feeling happy! It is so much harder to concentrate on work when you are feeling low, so make sure to find healthy ways to manage what may seem like an impossible schedule.
I personally am taking 18 credits, have two jobs, participate in clubs and still find time to play intramural sports or go out to dinner with friends and watch a movie after. Some weeks are harder than others and more nights are spent in, but it makes you appreciate the less busy weeks and take advantage of every free moment you get!
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