Get a Grip (On Your Anxiety)
Being an up and coming graduate is no easy task. Whether it’s finals week, a master’s thesis, or endless job applications, anxiety may be your middle name, but don’t fret—there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Instead of giving in to anxiety, try these tips to lesson your load and get through it with flying colors.
Don’t blow things out of proportion
The world won’t come to an end if your paper isn’t finished perfectly. If you’re suffering from perfectionism, ask yourself, “Does my final essay really have to be perfect?” Of course, the answer is no. Think to yourself, “My best is good enough.”
Take one step, then another
When you’re struggling with a lot on your plate, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. Take big tasks and break them up into smaller ones. For example, just do a few pages of your thesis and leave the outline for the next part until tomorrow. Or break up your job application process into steps. Spend one afternoon creating a list of interesting jobs to apply to. Then the next day you can edit and compose your cover letters in one go and send out ten or more applications.
Don’t let procrastination win
Everyone suffers from procrastination, but we need to get a handle on it if we’re going to avoid the dreaded all-nighters. Get in the habit of doing a little bit of work each day. As you’re researching for your paper, consider how you’ll organize your paragraphs and record your research in bullet points. Instead of writing a paper from scratch the night before, you’ll already have most of the work done!
Healthy body, healthy mind
Although your time is at a premium, don’t skimp on exercising and taking time for meals. If you ignore self-care, you’ll only harm yourself in the long run. Your brain needs nutrients if it’s going to get through the challenges that are ahead. Consider adding daily vitamin supplements to your routine as well.
Embrace change
While this is an exciting time, it can also be scary because of all the changes that are occurring. You may unknowingly self-sabotage yourself as you resist the unknown, but don’t let it get the best of you. Just keep taking small steps forward and trust that it will all work out—because it will!