Recently I have taken on a campus job. I was hired during the week of midterms which I needed to study for. I have been busy, staying up longer hours to finish homework and remain on a track that feels comfortable to me. But just the other day, I felt instantly fatigued and I began to cry out of frustration. I felt that if I was sick and took a break it would be a set back. I felt I would be behind in what I felt needed to be done right that second. So for todays tea talk, or coffee as I now prefer, is all about how to manage and adapt to stress.
I have been having a tough time adjusting to all of the things I have on my plate. That day I was convinced I was stuck and trapped into doing this. I wanted out, I wanted to quit everything and just give up. Looking back at what had happened, I was pushing myself too hard. I wasn’t listening to myself. I told myself there were other priorities, that I had to get those done before addressing myself. However, once I got to myself I was too exhausted.
How do I limit reaching that point?
I had to think of what and how I could do better for myself. I know that I need more sleep, do more personal things for me, and more time to take care of myself. My initial thinking is I need to structure each day to go according to a certain plan. I had to cross all the to do’s off, I left a window for myself right before bed and excepted myself to get up earlier to finish anything that I was “supposed” to get done the day before. While having a schedule is helpful especially with time management, it’s not always realistic. Things will come up and be more a priority than what we had originally planned. Our goals may change as we shift our focus. Unfortunately, that’s just the way of life.
The greatest thing you can do for yourself is being honest about how you are. I know that I probably will not wake up before 9 am unless I absolutely have too. I know that after dinner time which is around 7 pm for me, I want to be done with my day. Figure out what time works best for you to do homework, and study. These times may differ depending on how long you plan on working and how much brain power it requires. I find that by creating realistic goals, being flexible and knowing how I behave can limit the pressures placed on our shoulders. I should try instead of having a structured schedule, a schedule that can move around based on how the day goes. The day I planned to study may not work because I don’t have the brain power and would rather do something else. It’s important to allow that space for yourself.
Knowing some other ways to de stress based on what our body language, feelings and thoughts you are expressing can be useful too. This may include:
Physical
If you are feeling that you could run around the world, frustrated, jumpy, and ready to burst do something physical. Go on a walk, go to the gym for an hour, clean up your space or do another activity that involves physical movement. Usually when I feel like this, I go take a walk outside which allows me to put my mind off whatever is stressing me out. Once I feel more calm, I can assess the situation better which may mean doing an assignment or telling yourself that this can be put on hold.Whatever it may be, I find it’s easier to make these decisions when I do so in a calm mindset and physical activity can help with that.
Emotional
Sometimes stressors can make us feel down about ourselves especially if we are tired. You may feel helpless, hopeless, and maybe even depressed. If you are talking negatively towards yourself, of course tell yourself those words are not true but also do something that makes you feel good in your own skin. This can be as simple as taking a long hot shower. Put on a face mask, dance around listening to your favorite music, changing into something comfortable, pleasuring yourself to a home cooked meal or surround yourself with good people. I do a combination of these things while trying not worry about how much time I may be taking up or what assignments I “should” be doing. If we are being harsh on ourselves it’s probably time we take a break so spoil yourself to simple pleasures.
Mental
You may even feel fatigued, drained, completely out of it and have told yourself you are done. Then don’t push yourself past your limit, if your body is telling you it’s done then be done. Do nothing for awhile. Lay down, watch your favorite show or a movie and just hang out. No assignment is more important that your mental health, I promise you will get it done but it doesn’t have to get done right that second. That is unless you have procrastinated up until the last second then maybe get that done first! For the most part though it’s okay to set things aside to take care of yourself.
You are the number one priority. If you don’t take care of yourself, doing life, having relationships, and being your best is hard if not impossible. No matter how much of a busy bee you may be, don’t forget to do those things you love doing, the things that make you feel good about yourself. Because nothing is worth being completely drained over.
