The sound of the alarm rings at 6 a.m. There are children to feed, schedules to consider, and homework to be turned in before midnight. The laundry is piling up as the memory of the project at work that is due on Friday comes to mind. This is a typical morning of many non-traditional college students. The responsibilities of life weigh down the mind and the body. The additional tasks of college life combined with the existing daily routines of life can result in stress. This often leads to signs of fatigue. How do we manage the additional work, family, school, and find time for our own self-care? We learn new skills and give ourselves patience as we try them out to discover the techniques that work to result in lowered stress and increased performance.
The pressure and tension from demands of daily life can be turned from burden to blessing.
Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can be a welcoming process to cope with the symptoms of stress. A daily routine of calming the mind through deep inhalations and exhalations provide the oxygen needed to improve clarity of mind and release of tension throughout the body. The movement of yoga and the stillness of meditation create a sanctuary that is portable, as these techniques will reside within you.
Time management techniques can be learned.
Visibly planning a schedule weekly will help to gain perspective and ease pressure on our most valuable asset, time. We can also learn how and when the scheduling and prioritizing of tasks can occur to provide a pathway of organization. This ensures that we are able to complete the tasks on time. It is also important to determine the importance of commitments according to what is urgent and important versus items that can be tabled or delegated. These types of skills are beneficial to ensure you do not become over-committed.
What are you eating throughout the day?
The consideration of what energy sources we provide our body also determines our threshold of ability. The body that receives fresh vegetables, fruit, and protein is more likely to have sustainable energy to complete the day. The body that takes in fast food, candy, chips, and soda will lift and sink according to the amount of sugars and fat chosen. The importance of quality food cannot be overlooked for anyone.
Balance can be achieved.
Balance in our life will give us the perspective and effective responses when we encounter stressful situations. It is possible to manage a full schedule with commitments if you are able to develop a life charting system. I know these techniques work because these three components are used at varying degrees for myself and other scholars of the Foundation here at Front Range Community College.
What techniques do you use to help you lead a balanced life?
