Dealing with an Intense Workload

School can feel overwhelming. One minute you are on top of everything, maybe even ahead. The next you’re falling behind. Assignments, quizzes, discussion posts, essays, homework, is all piling up fast. When things start to pile up you feel stressed, anxious, sad, and exhausted. Learning how to deal with these feelings is important. Below are some tips and advice for when your to-do list seems endlessly long. 

Flexibility Matters

It is crucial that your schedule is flexible. Sometimes we have goals that we simply cannot achieve by the time we want. It is important that your planner is dynamic and updates to where you are currently. Be realistic in your scheduling.   

Break Down Big Tasks 

A helpful way to tackle your piling up to-do list is to break down big tasks. For example, if you have an essay due, set small goals that you can achieve each day. These goals could be creating a mind map, researching your topic, or begin writing a rough draft. These smaller goals allow you to feel accomplished and motivated. These smaller goals also help you avoid burning out when tackling long to-do lists. 

Self-Care is Key 

You matter and you cannot tackle your assignments if you are burnt out. Set aside time for yourself to rest, eat, move your body, and talk to your friends and family. Allowing yourself to be a human being rather than a machine that does school work is important. A rested mind works better than a mind that is overworked and stressed. Not only that, you are worthy of self-care. Allow yourself you time!

You’re Not Alone 

It can feel like you are the only one who has this much work. However, even students who seem to have everything together feel stressed and overwhelmed. An important part of managing your workload is understanding that you can do this and are not alone. Many other people are currently feeling how you do. You have gotten through stressful times before and you can do it again. Understanding that you can do this and are not alone is important.  

- Jordan Calleja, Peer Wellness Educator Lead