How to do it "all"

I think we all have that friend or know someone who has it together. They do a million and one things on campus, have enough time to hang out with friends, and generally seems like they have their life together while the rest of us are running around like crazy trying to get it all done.

While I may not exactly be "that friend" (my friends may argue with me on that one), I do have a few tips on how to get there and be able to do it "all", or make it seem like it, in college.

image via this blog post

make time for yourself

Yes, you can do everything under the sun but you need to make time for yourself or you are going to get burnt it pretty quickly. I think self-care has become a term where you need to pamper yourself for hours and I don't think that should be the case. I think doing something you love each day is the perfect way to find balance in a busy schedule. You can't get water from an empty well so you can't give to others if you are running on empty!

be intentional

Think back to that person who does it all. Odds are they aren't actually the president of every club on campus. Be intentional in what you are involved in. Make time for the things you love and cut out the rest! Not only will you be happier and less burnt out, you will be able to put in more effort to the organizations you are involved in.

I think being intentional is also so so important for friendships. Focus on your friendships and being there in ways that matter. Send a text wishing good luck before that big test or project presentation, be there for a mid-week coffee date, make fun plans.

be on time

Rolling into lunch with a friend, class, or a meeting all frazzled because you're late isn't exactly what I think of when I think "having it together". Of course, everyone runs late from time-to-time but I think arriving on time, if not a bit early, is definitely is a good way to feel less stressed and seem like you have your life together more than you actually do!

to-do lists, to-do lists, to-do lists

How to keep up with it "all"? A million and one to-do lists and an organized planner. On my busy weeks when I feel like I have a million things to do and not enough time to do it, I sit down and write down everything I need to do that day (or that week). And when I say everything, I mean it- put even the littlest things like taking out the trash or showering. Having it all written out helps you think of everything you need to do and make you less likely to forget something. Plus, usually it's not as much as you think it is!

make your lunch the night before

Since I don't have a meal plan anymore (officially old), I bring my lunch to campus twice a week. The days where I pack my lunch the night before run so much more smoothly as I have one less thing to do before heading out the door!

respond to emails promptly

I feel like it is so easy to let your email inbox become a mountain of unread messages but keeping on top of them definitely helps you feel more on track. I try to sort my emails into folders and then leave the ones I need to respond to promptly in my inbox- because let's be real, if you don't do it right then, it may take a while!

use the reminders app

My key to not forgetting the little things? Putting a reminder in my phone and then setting the time for it to remind me. Perfect for when you need to pack something in your backpack or need to do something at a specific time. This has helped me not forget the small details and makes your life a tad bit less chaotic.

How do you do it all? Let me know in the comments!