Yesterday night I check my grades and I saw that I got Straight A’s this Winter quarter! It was such a great way to end on a positive note. There were nights through the quarter that I was a little stressed (okay a lot!) but it is absolutely normal to feel that way. What i always remind myself to do is to help myself. Even if you have a hectic lifestyle, if you want to remain sane and happy you need to help yourself. So I found myself taking more time to relieve stress, and celebrate the good small goals along the way. Remember that if you overwhelm yourself you might crash. And we don’t want that! So here are a few tips to maintain stress a little bit so you can accomplish your goals!
1. Always add cushion time (15 minutes)
I know I feel more stressed running late so I make sure that arrive places 15 minutes early. I know that this is not always possible but for appointments and important events maybe even work try to get there early just in case of an emergency. If you plan to get there early even if there is traffic, or you forget something at home if you add cushion time then you’ll be less stressed. Plus it doesn’t hurt to get there a little early. You can come in confident knowing you have things under control! Of course you can add a longer cushion time depending on your lifestyle and schedule. Keep in mind “You’re late if you’re on time”.
2. Have extras just for back ups
There have been many times where you run late and try to print a paper but you can’t. Yes thats right, you ran out of ink! Been there done that. So stressful! I have learned the hard way to make sure you have back ups always. Especially with ink. However there are several things you should also have extras just in case:
-pens/pencils: keep one in your bag, and car
-Hand sanitizers: keep one in every bag/backpack and one in car
-Scantrons (for those of you in college, Always!)
-Lady stuff (Whatever you need in every bag)
-Bags(If you live in the Bay Area, you need to bring your own bags to the grocery store or else you will have to buy them.) Just keep several in your car.
-Enough pills (If you take medication)
-Ibuprofen (just in case you get sick and can’t run out to the store really quickly) You can keep this at home just make sure you have some. Throw away the container when it is all gone so you don’t mistakenly think you have some and turns out you don’t.
*I also keep a little First aid kit in my car* (I got mine at Target for like 97 cents)
3. When in doubt write stuff down
I like to write stuff down in my agenda, but I know that doesn’t work for everyone. For sure, keep a calendar. Wether it is electronically or actual paper so you can know what is coming next. I also have a white board where I write down my top priorities for each day so I know what needs to get done as soon as possible. Plus it is very reassuring knowing you wrote it down so you don’t depend so much on your memory (false memory does exist).
4. Take care of your well being
-Eat a well balanced meal
-DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST
-Drink plenty of water
-try yoga: Honestly you don’t need to go to a class to learn, there are plenty of good youtube videos that can help you, or try Pinterest where there are detailed poses you can try. I recommend both, yoga is so beneficial. Plus it helps if you are an athlete too. Trust me you will sweat. DO NOT underestimate yoga.
-Practice Mindfulness: I will have a post dedicated to mindfulness soon. Basically keep your thoughts in the present. Easier said then done but once you practice it you will feel a lot more relaxed.
-Meditate: It doesn’t have to be long, it can be short too.
-Sleep: Sleep is mandatory and treat it like if it was just as important as any other appointment. You need to rest!
All these tips can be implemented in your everyday life. You however have to be willing to take the time to do them. Have discipline and remember that YOU are important and YOU must take care of yourself. Goals are very important, but keep in mind in order to accomplish them you need the best possible YOU can be.
Have Hope Always,
Maribel
Maribel- Full of Hope 