It is that time of the semester again where papers and projects start to pile up. This can feel quite overwhelming, as there is only so much time we have before finals. Despite it seeming practically impossible to get everything done, you will get to everything. Here are some tips that can help you manage your time and finish all of your assignments.
- Create a planner
Even if you aren’t a ‘planner’ type person, creating one now will help you so much. Tasks can pile up and remembering everything can be difficult. Organizing assignments into a planner ensures that you will remember everything that is due. You can even organize them by the due date to help you further. If you google ‘assignment tracker’ on Google Sheets, you will get a lot of templates that can help you stay organized.
- Leave your computer
You heard me correctly. Walk away from your computer. Sitting on your computer for hours and hours on end will not be helpful when trying to finish all of your assignments. Taking breaks is vital as it resets your brain and gives you room to rest. If you try to get to everything at once, you will burn yourself out. Give yourself time to breathe, it will help much more than you will know.
- Find a quiet place to work
These last couple of grades are very important, as most of them are big projects and papers. Make sure you are in the best place you can be to work, meaning a place that is not a distraction. If you are working in the wrong space, you will easily get distracted and will fall off track. A perfect example of this is your dorm. While our dorms are very comfortable and nice to be in, it is easy to get distracted there. Focus is essential when trying to complete your work.
- Give yourself affirmations
Sitting there and wallowing about assignments does not make them feel any better to complete. I know that everyone, including myself, does this. It is okay to be frustrated or stressed with dozens of assignments, but the way you approach them can make a difference. Be positive. Tell yourself that you can do this. Stay motivated. This will help you when trying to finish an assignment, as a boost of motivation can do a lot.
- Most importantly, reach out for help
If you are struggling with completing things on time, talk to someone. Reach out for help. There have been multiple cases where I overwhelmed myself with work and had to ask for help from professors. A lot of professors will work with you, and may even extend your due date if necessary. I think that a lot of people need to understand that it is okay to reach out for help. Professors and fellow students are there to help you. This is a stressful time of year for everyone. Ask for help.
I hope these tips help when conquering final exam week. Unfortunately, this is the last Claire’s Corner for the academic year. Thank you so much to everyone who reads my advice column and sends me questions. Claire’s Corner would not be possible without you guys and I hope my advice has helped you one way or another. I will be back during the next academic year to continue my advice column. If you need advice before then,send me an email. Until next time, this is Claire, signing off until next semester!
