Planet eCore: 5 Helpful Stress Management Tips:

As our eCore semester gets into full swing, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and drowning in a sea of stress. I know I do at times! Let’s talk about ways to deal with and alleviate some of this stress before it becomes unmanageable:

1. Time is your GREATEST asset in life. Try to stay organized. Plan your work & work your plan. Everything is manageable if you have a plan.

2. Time management means learning to say "NO". Prioritize. Decide that this is not selfish. When you take care of yourself first, you will have more energy for others later.

3. Skipping class means MORE stress. In the case of online class, this would be skipping assignments or discussions. If you miss these crucial aspects of your course, you will get behind and this causes more stress.  

4. Sleep SAVES time. Sleep deprivation can cause more fatigue and therefore studying

will take even longer. 

5. Procrastinators CAN master time management.

• Break large tasks up into bite-sized pieces and estimate how much time each piece will take. Working backwards from your deadline, schedule in each piece of your task.
• Take breaks often. Every 45 minutes take a 15-minute break. Do something totally different that relaxes you or invigorates you - take a walk, listen to music, whatever refreshes you and reduces stress.
• Know yourself. What time of day do you have the most energy? If you are a morning person, don't attempt overwhelming tasks at night and vice versa. 
• Study with a friend. Just make sure you choose friends that won't help you procrastinate! (Ex. Talking too much!)

Share your ideas and thoughts with us here.  I'm sure your fellow eCore students are interested in hearing how you manage your time.You never know how your ideas could help someone else!