Hey All!

In honor of finals week I have decided to give you all some helpful tips on being organized. Do you balance more activities, projects, and tasks than there are hours in a day? Do you think sleep is a myth? If you constantly find yourself having to schedule in five-minute appointments with yourself just to down a bagel and keep going, you may have what some people refer to as “a hectic schedule.” I know the meaning of stress, and I know the importance of staying organized. Here are some of my own personal lifesaving tips. As my friends know, I am definitely a type A personality and couldn’t not survive without being organized, having lists, and keeping my day planner on me at all times.
1. Write everything down.
In fact, write everything down multiple times. I feel relaxed just by rifling through my brain and coming up with a list of what needs to get done, and when. Carry a planner, so you don’t have to rack your brain if someone asks what you’re doing Saturday, November 15, at 3:30 p.m. Tape a list of upcoming homework assignments next to your bed, and cross off each completed task when you’re finished. Nothing feels more gratifying than crossing something off of your “to do” list!
2. Use Technology to Your Advantage.
My favorite tool on my laptop? The Stickies application. I have notes open (in all different colors, of course) for my banking and credit card info, upcoming assignments, important e-mail addresses, etc. As long as you have your computer, you’ll never lose them or accidentally throw them out; they’re easier to manage than rifling through a hundred pages to find one reminder; and they can conveniently disappear behind your Microsoft Word or Firefox windows, OR you can set them as a “floating window” so they’re always visible. BlackBerries, iPhones, and other digital instruments can work to your advantage, and send you preset reminders so you never forget.
3. Plan ahead.
Finished everything for today? It might be easy to crash on the couch and watch reruns for hours, just so you don’t have to think. But then you might be stressed again tomorrow. Look at your calendar, and see if there’s anything you can get a jump start on, or anything you can work on now to give yourself time to party like a rock star on Saturday. Forcing yourself to work when you’re beat might seem like cruel and unusual self-discipline, but as a fellow workaholic, I can affirm: We did this to ourselves.

‘Till Next Time,

Kris