At this point in the year, many of us know Carolina as a place full of things to do. Sports games? Check. Club meetings, music concerts, shows? Check. Homework and exam prep? Unfortunately, yes. Figuring out how to enjoy everything Carolina has to offer while keeping up with classes and taking care of yourself isn’t always easy. But it is possible. It might help to focus on balancing three things: time, stress and sleep. Being intentional about those areas can help you identify priorities, make room for self care and get the most out of your years at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Find Time
It’s common to feel like there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done. Here are some strategies for prioritizing and balancing your responsibilities:
- Block out time in your schedule for well-being activities, study sessions, and daily tasks like eating/sleeping.
- Make a list all of the things you need to get done in the upcoming week. Assigning tasks to specific days can make the list feel more manageable.
- For each item on your list, ask yourself: Is this something I must get done, should get done, or could get done? Sorting tasks this way helps you focus on what matters most.
- Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day. It’s ok to say not to commitments that stretch you too thin. Saying no to someone else often means you’re saying yes to yourself.
- Build in buffer time between activities if you can. Back-to-back commitments leave little room for taking a breath, managing the unexpected, or chatting with someone you enjoy.
- If you’d like more support, the Learning Center offers academic coaches who help you balance academic demands and everything else in a one-on-one conversation in person or via zoom as well as workshops and strategies.
Manage Stress
It’s normal to feel stress in daily life. But when stress builds up without healthy ways to cope, it can leave you feeling exhausted or burnt out. The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try one of these strategies:
- Plan something to look forward to – even something small, like a coffee date with a friend or a walk outside on a beautiful day.
- Do something for just for you today – watch a favorite show or otherwise treat yourself to something special.
- Unplug from social media for a set amount of time. Apps like Opal, Jomo, onesec, or others can help.
- Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal or your notes app. Getting it out of your head can help clear space for other things.
- Meditate, do yoga, or move your body in ways that feel good.
Whatever helps you to calm your mind and feel refreshed if worth making time for. If you are still struggling with stress, visit CAPS or explore resources on the Heels Care Network.
Prioritize Sleep
It can be tempting to sacrifice sleep in favor of getting more done. But without enough rest, it’s much harder to function. Health, relationships, and academics all suffer when you’re running on empty. Here are some strategies for better sleep:
- Set up a sleeping environment that works for you. Many people benefit from cool, dark, and quiet rooms. Blackout curtains or a white noise machine can make a difference if outside light or sound is a problem.
- Set consistent wake-up times and bedtimes. This helps your body regulate its natural sleep cycles, leaving you feeling more energized throughout the day.
- Avoid stressful activities immediately before bed. A relaxing routine, such as reading a favorite book or taking a hot shower, can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
- Prioritize sleep. At Carolina, there will always be more things to do, but giving your body the rest it needs will help you perform better and feel better. Over time, you’ll learn to build your work around your sleep schedule, not the other way around.
- If you’ve worked on your sleep and still struggle to get enough, Campus Health providers or Wellness Coaches may be able to help. Schedule an appointment to discuss your sleep struggles, efforts, and additional ideas.
Time, stress, and sleep connect to each other. When one is off, the others often follow. By being intentional about how you spend your time, finding healthy ways to manage stress, and making sleep a consistent priority, you’ll be better equipped to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Small, consistent changes make a big, long-term difference. And remember, support is always available when you need it.