Mastering Stress During Peak Seasons: 3 Ways to Keep Your Cool

January is a busy time, with back-to-school stress hitting home for many students. Here's how to keep calm and carry on!

Written for TalentEgg by Krishika Jethani.

For many students, coming back for the winter semester means assignments, projects, and exams are coming up — leading to peaks of stress, and making time management a challenge.

During these winter months, it's essential to consider strategies to overcome midterm anxiety. Everyone manages stress differently, but following these three steps will help you head in the right direction:

1. Organize your day-to-day schedule

This may seem cliché to many, but if done the right way, having a schedule can make your day less stressful. Life is uncertain, and things can change on a day-to-day basis. Whether that be a deadline pushed back or a new commitment popping up, a daily schedule will help you manage your time well.

When you wake up, you should first plan what needs to be done during the day. You can list negotiable and non-negotiable tasks to set your priorities straight. This sort of schedule will help you balance your day while not wasting time on things that can be pushed back.

However, don't misinterpret the term "push back" — rather, have a list of specific deadlines that need to be met, and a list of things that can be completed later.

2. Be okay with not doing everything

Organization and time management skills are essential to not overwhelm yourself with too many commitments. Some students fail to understand that it's entirely okay not to take on an extra task if you don't have time.

Not only does this apply to your academics but also social outings. If your body has had a busy week, you'll feel it. It's okay to reject an invitation to go out so you can stay in and take care of yourself. The worst thing you can do to yourself during these important months is bombard your day-to-day routine.

3. Prioritize your mental and physical health

Between classes, work or internships, and your social life, it can become very easy to not take care of yourself. One thing that's important to recognize is that your mind and body are connected. If your mind feels tired, your body will feel the same, so taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial.

When your body is tired, finishing everything that needs to be done is difficult. The key word in all this is "relaxation." Take a few minutes every day to feel and digest everything happening. Some may like doing this by going to the gym or by taking a walk. For others, it may be watching an episode of a favourite comfort show, or taking an evening walk in the neighbourhood. Whatever it is, take a deep breath and make time to relax.

You've got this!