Student Blog: Managing The Madness

Some people describe being an overachiever as a flaw. Others describe it as a perk. The jury is still out on that one. 

  If you haven’t guessed yet, I can be a little bit of an overachiever which often means overloading myself with so many things I don’t have the time to do. This year, I’ve been pretty good, limiting the things I commit myself to but still being filled with the dread of ‘that could’ve been me.’ There’s this weird phenomenon in college where even though you no longer have 6 hours of classes every day, it’s harder to lock in and focus on an hour and a half or, god forbid, a 3-hour lecture. Or maybe that’s the burnout. Theatre students often have the added hours of rehearsals for class or performances. This semester, I both unfortunately and fortunately don’t have to worry about that added time.

The November to December stretch of the school year is always the worst. You have a bunch of work due before Thanksgiving and then you get back and have a bunch of work due before the semester ends. So, what do I do to help me during these tedious times? 

1. Journal 

I wish I could say I was consistent in my journaling but I’m not. However, it does give me the chance to properly gather my thoughts and have a place to express my stress. The hardest thing about getting work done is getting it started, and journaling gives me the chance to eliminate distractive thoughts by storing them somewhere else. 

2. To-Do Lists 

I have this paper pad with little moons dotting the edges that I write all my homework on for every week. I also have one of these little sheets taped on the wall next to my desk with a list, with due dates, of all the long-term assignments I’ve either yet to do, or yet to finish. Having something to physically cross out makes me motivated to complete it and makes it satisfying to complete. Seeing the list of assignments dwindle from 7 to 5 to 1 fills me with some kind of joy. I know I’m not the only one too who finds some version of peace in this. 

3. Listen to Jazz, Classical, or Studio Ghibli Music 

On very rare occasions am I able to listen to my favorite Broadway songs while working. More often than not, it backfires on me and I perform a one-woman show within the four walls of my room (The world within my room you could say… ). I find that listening to classical music, Jazz, or music from Studio Ghibli films tends to help me focus more. Classical music makes me feel like I’m writing like I’m running out of time (see what I did there?)  or working on some harebrained scheme, which is sometimes just the motivation I need.

4. Keep a Calendar 

Keeping a calendar is sometimes the best thing you can do. It’s great for allowing you to see the time you have available so you can plan your time accordingly.  For example, I have a class from 10:00-11:21 and then my internship from 12:00-4:00. I have roughly three hours between my internship and my three-hour night lecture at 7:20. I’m able to properly utilize those three hours, and figure out which work to prioritize so when I get back to my dorms at around 10:30, I don’t have to worry about anything else but sleeping. 

5. Prioritizing Sleep 

The irony is that the week in which I’ve written this, I went against my goal of getting roughly 8 hours of sleep due to my poor time management. But, I usually aim to do just that. I know I don’t function well with limited sleep and that I’m not a morning person. Some people can do all-nighters and I’m not one of them. Sleep is great for your brain and body, but it can make you feel rejuvenated and excited for the day. If you can take on the day, you’ll get a lot done. 

I wish my tips for managing my courseload could be more theatrical, but this semester has been distinctly academic. However, I just registered for my spring semester classes where my directing skills will be put to the test in Directing II. Once this week passes, my days will be more than just work and more work... but until then, the madness continues! 

Signed, 

J. F 

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