The end of January leads into one of the busiest months for the majority of the Penn State student body. February is filled with the ending of Greek life recruitment, final preparations for THON weekend, the actual weekend itself, State Patty’s and upcoming midterm exams. This time is very exciting and full of life during Penn State’s winter season although it can cause coinciding feelings of stress and anxiety.
Managing Mentally
The first step in enjoying this time as much as possible is ensuring that your mind is as settled as possible. It is okay to take time to think about things other than just your commitments. You are a person first beyond everything that you’re involved in. It is exciting and fulfilling to participate in Penn State’s culture although it is not all you are.
It’s Okay to Rot
Scrolling on TikTok or recreationally reading and just periodically taking time to remove your thoughts from anything of real substance in your daily life is not only acceptable but healthy. It is nothing to feel guilty of and it is not a waste of time. Sometimes parts of your days need to be “unproductive” in order to continue being productive.
Schedule, Schedule, Schedule!
It may be a cliche piece of advice, but writing out your days and events in order to have a physical display of organization is an extremely helpful way to manage becoming overwhelmed. Schedules, planners and calendars can be used in different ways whichever works for you. Designated planners for school work, extracurriculars and social events can split up an overwhelming period of time and make it seem more manageable. It is also a way to ensure that your time is utilized in the most productive ways possible by being pre-planned.
Managing Physically
Remaining physically content as well as mentally is crucial for enjoying this time without floundering. Having a healthy mental state is nothing if your body does not match it. Taking time to recharge and refresh even when it seems you’re needed in every place at once is necessary.
Sleep for Success
Your brain will not function the same if you are overly tired. Aiming for a solid eight hours every night is the goal. Sometimes it may not always be attainable but striving for it is important. Try to complete all your school work during the day, leaving the nights for meetings and social events. This will give you a better possibility for maximizing your sleep time. Good quality rest will set you up to be able to tackle your days better.
Necessary Fuel
Nutrition is another basic necessity that may seem obvious but can be easily overlooked, especially as a busy college student. Do not forget to eat. Skipping meals and lacking calories will cause your body to remain feeling tired and leave your mind groggy. If it seems like certain days lack the time for sit-down meals, packing high protein and energizing snacks for your busiest days will help you power through.
Let us know your tips and tricks for February in State College by tweeting us @VALLEYmag on X!
