As you settle into your new class schedule, don't get overwhelmed by commitments and bogged down with work. Make sure you take time for yourself, to keep yourself focused and stress-free. A great step to reducing stress is learning to manage your time well. The following tips may help:
- Time management and stress management are closely related.
Try first to meet your basic needs, such as getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating nutritious foods and snacks, and getting physical exercise. Do what helps you to relax and manage daily stress. Otherwise, you may begin to feel even more overwhelmed than you would normally when experiencing the same level of stress. - Keep a schedule.
If you like to use a planner, keep only one calendar and use it daily. Some students like to create a To Do List every day, and cross out tasks they've completed. Once you create the list, be sure to prioritize tasks, determining what can be moved to the following or a later day if not accomplished. - Plan ahead.
Planning personal goals can help achieve more of what you want. Try to have realistic expectations that are attainable. If your goals are unrealistic, you can set yourself up for further disappointments and possible burnout. Encourage yourself to stay focused. - Make the best use of your time.
Sometimes, it helps to impose a deadline on yourself so that you make sure you're making consistent progress. Set aside times to do specific tasks, and make sure you protect your schedule. Know the time of day when you do your best work and schedule study times accordingly. Set aside uninterrupted time to do specific tasks, such as answering your phone messages, email and Facebook messages. Build in cushions of time to account for the unexpected so you don't become overwhelmed or miss deadlines. - Plan personal time to de-stress.
Last but not least, try not to overbook yourself without scheduling some down time as a way to replenish yourself. Try to schedule quiet transition time to decompress after a long day of classes or internship. Remember to allow yourself and your schedule flexibility to alleviate additional stress.
Stress Management Clinics and Self-Improvement Classes
The Student Health Center's Counseling and Behavioral Health Services, located in Suite 471 (4th Floor) of 726 Broadway, offers several stress management clinics and self-improvement classes. These offerings run weekly or biweekly and are always free of charge (call 212-998-4780 for more information).
- In a New York Minute: Time Management
Get a grip on time. Time management is one of the greatest challenges students face. This self improvement class is devoted to helping you stay on track, and occurs every other Tuesday, from 3:00 - 4:00 PM. The class will address some of the primary hurdles to good time management, while providing tips and solutions for using your time more effectively. To register, or learn more about the class, please contact CBH at 212 998- 4780. - The Stress Clinic
These weekly drop-in workshops provide information and instruction about relaxation and stress reduction. Participants will experience relaxation using various mind-body techniques for stress management, including exercises in meditation, breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery. Fall classes are scheduled for Mondays, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. & Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM. No advance registration is required. For more information, contact CBH at 212-998-4780.
Relaxation Oasis
Visit the Relaxation Oasis, a mindfulness initiative that features calming mp3s, the yoga room, Q&As about stress, and other mindfulness resources.
Stressbusters at NYU!
Make sure you keep an eye out for our amazing team of trained Student Health Center Ambassadors who canvas the campus providing free 5-minute backrubs between classes. Better yet, become one! Recruitment for new members is currently underway with trainings scheduled for Sept. 27, and Sept.30. Apply online today. For more information contact the Health Promotion Office at 212 443-1234 or click here.
Have more questions about your health? Stop by the Health Promotion Office, located at:
726 Broadway (across from Waverly Place)
3rd Floor
212-443-1234
health.promotion@nyu.edu