Are you Wonder Woman? Do you balance more activities, projects, and tasks than there are hours in a day? Do you think sleep is a myth? If you constantly find yourself having to schedule in five-minute appointments with yourself just to down a bagel and keep going, you may have what some people refer to as "a hectic schedule." I know the meaning of stress, and I know the importance of staying organized. Here are some of my own personal lifesaving tips.
1. Write everything down.
In fact, write everything down multiple times. I feel relaxed just by
rifling through my brain and coming up with a list of what needs to get
done, and when. Carry a planner, so you don’t have to rack your brain
if someone asks what you’re doing Saturday, November 15, at 3:30 p.m.
Tape a list of upcoming homework assignments next to your bed, and
cross off each completed task when you’re finished.
2. Use Technology to Your Advantage.
My favorite tool on my Macbook? The Stickies application. I have
notes open (in all different colors, of course) for my banking and
credit card info, upcoming assignments, important e-mail addresses, etc.
As long as you have your computer, you’ll never lose them or
accidentally throw them out; they’re easier to manage than rifling
through a hundred pages to find one reminder; and they can conveniently
disappear behind your Microsoft Word or Firefox windows, OR you can set
them as a “floating window” so they’re always visible. BlackBerries,
iPhones, and other digital instruments can work to your advantage, and
send you preset reminders so you never forget.
3. Plan ahead.
Finished everything for today? It might be easy to crash on the couch
and watch SoapNet reruns for hours, just so you don’t have to think.
But then you might be stressed again tomorrow. Look at your calendar,
and see if there’s anything you can get a jump start on, or anything
you can work on now to give yourself time to party like a rock star on
Saturday. Forcing yourself to work when you’re beat might seem like
cruel and unusual self-discipline, but as a fellow workaholic, I can
affirm: We did this to ourselves.
Recharge and stay on top of things with four more get-organized tips at CollegeCandy.com.
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