If only there were more than twenty-four hours
in a day. I’m sure that is what everyone is thinking at this point. Everyone is
trying to fit classes, homework, practice, ensembles, eating, sleeping, and
occasional socializing into their schedules. It’s pretty tough. I know I really
struggle with getting stressed out about time. I have two primary instruments
that I have to practice, plus I have to practice my piano to keep it up to par
for piano class during Jan Term. I’m in three different ensembles, and I have
two full lessons a week. I also have a job back home and work all three days
every other weekend. Once I starting adding in things I have to do (like
homework and eating) and things I want to do (like working out and seeing my
friends/family/boyfriend), my brain is screaming, “How the heck am I going to
get this done!?”
One thing I do that is
very helpful is take some time to myself. I’ll read a book, take a nap, or sit
and listen to music. Doing this helps my brain calm down a bit so that I can
get everything I need to get done, done. If I just try to go-go-go, I’ll never
do anything as well as I could; it will only be at about 85%. By taking the
time to relax, I find it much easier to focus on my homework or my studying.
I also like to have a
little motivation. Sometimes I’ll let myself have a treat for every assignment
I get done. For example, once I get this blog done and uploaded, I’m going to
let myself have a few bites of ice cream. Since I crave the ice cream anyway,
it’s a good way for me to ensure that I will get my work done. I am also
motivated through the week by looking toward the weekend because I know that (if
I get my work done) the weekend means relaxing. To be able to visualize the
approaching weekend, me and my roommate hung up the calendar that everyone received
during orientation and, at the end of every day, one of us will cross it out
with a black marker. This way, we can see how quickly (or sometimes slowly) the
weekend is approaching. As the weekend gets closer, I make myself get my work
done so that I can just relax during the weekend.
Another thing that I
have found to be quite helpful is keeping a planner. I always got a little
planner in high school and never used it; I thought it was stupid! Now, I have
no idea how I lived without one. I write everything (and I mean everything) in
my planner. I have every concert, every homework assignment, every off-campus
activity I want to go to, and every day that I work. If I didn’t have it
written down, I would completely forget it. Keeping a planner might be the best
advice I can give anyone. It is ways to keep organized and make sure you get
everything done that you have to have done. It also helps to schedule things at
specific times. I wake up most mornings, look at my schedule, and decide when I’m
going to practice, when I’m going to eat, and when I’m going to have my “me”
time. It’s a really helpful way to make sure I have a full, productive day.
You have some really good ideas here, Katie. I agree--my planner is my life! I don't just write appointments in it--I keep to do lists on specific days and a list of upcoming concerts with their repertoire in the back. And I like treats, too.
ReplyDeleteI am a bit concerned about that work schedule. Where do you work? Is it a sustainable schedule, or do you need to start considering something else? Do be aware that it's a really, really good idea for music education majors to get in some part-time work with area marching bands, since we don't have marching here at school. This year's senior class is pretty ed-heavy--it's entirely possible that, if you get to know them, someone might pass one of their marching band jobs on to you next year.
Hi Katie! I definitely agree how sometimes I find myself wishing there were more than 24 hours in a day...but then imagine how much more we'd add into our life! I always thought those planners in high school were a bit silly too, but I'm so glad I keep one now. It's nice having a visual representation of everything rather than trying to remember ALL of it! And lastly, I like your different ideas on keeping yourself in line. You seem to have a really good method by making time for yourself - you have a really busy schedule and a lot going on, girl! However, my favorite part is the motivation...I mean, who doesn't love ice cream?
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain, girl! There are so many things to do in just one day. Most of the time, I find myself silently screaming the same thing, "How the heck am I going to get all of this done by the end of the day???" Also, I love the reward idea. I totally do that with the reese's that my big gave me after I finish an assignment. I admire your persistence to have your "me" time each day. That is something I need to try to do more often. Thank you of sharing your methods of de-stressing.
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