Sunday Control
As a college student, it is fairly easy to become consumed with your everyday routine of going to class, studying, and engaging with your fellow peers. There is also a possibility that you're looking forward to creating a routine, so you can stay organized and focused. It is fairly easy to become consumed with what is happening in the future rather than what is happening right now. You may be focused on securing an internship for this upcoming summer instead of worrying about your history exam in your next class. Living in the “now” is better than rushing your future. I will share with you a few key tips for taking control of your time.
Plan and Keep a Schedule
Take Sundays as a day to relax, unwind, and reset. During the week it is easy to get consumed with the overload of assignments, internship tasks, and club meetings. To organize my days efficiently, I use a whiteboard calendar in my dorm and an on-the-go planner. On Sundays, I go over my digital calendar on my phone to be able to upload the important meetings and tasks I have following the new week. Doing this gives me a clear view of what free time I possibly have in the coming week or if I’m completely packed that week.
Maintain Boundaries
Another thing to consider is the ability to decline engagement. If you feel that you can’t accommodate someone at your best self in that moment, you can say, “I don’t have the capacity to fulfill this at this moment but let me point you in the direction of someone who can assist you”. Instead of saying “no” you politely declined their offer all while prioritizing yourself.
Practice Meditation
If you are ever feeling overwhelmed, try to think of the things that center your mind. Ask yourself, “I’m happiest when I’m doing (ex. yoga)”, then simply take a break from your stress and go do yoga. Grounding techniques and deep breathing exercises are helpful too. It’s as simple as it sounds.
Clean Environment, Clean Mind
Try reorganizing something to maybe spark something else in your brain if your mind is feeling clustered or blinded. More clutter makes us feel stressed. You could also try washing and folding your clothes on Sunday, so you won’t have to scramble around for clothes to wear to class on Wednesday.
Some of these activities may seem hard to begin. Like many things, once you get going in a routine, things will eventually come to you. College is a time to learn, find oneself, and launch into adulthood. It is valid to be concerned about the next internship and tomorrow’s test at the same time. But Sundays are often free days at the end of our week that help us to prepare well for the following week so that we can be our best selves.
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