I don't know about you, but I have a hard time getting my to do list done when I am overwhelmed or stressed. When I get stressed I always have to take a step back and reevaluate what needs to change for me to feel better and to not get distracted by Netflix.

1. Make a list. Lists are my everything. I start with making a list every Sunday of what I want to accomplish and get done by the end of the week. Then I make a list for each day and what I need to accomplish.

2. Chunk it out. Whether it's a paper in school or time for a deep cleaning at home, I love splitting it up into small tasks that I can complete. If it's a project I have to get done by the end of the day, I set my alarm for every 45 minutes and as soon as it goes off I get the first chunk out of the way.

3. Reward Yourself. I do this everyday because it is the only way I can motivate myself to get ahead on homework. I have a sweet tooth, so if I complete all my homework by the end of the day I get a treat. (Childish I know, but bribery with a sweet treat still works on me)

4. Ready, set, go. I tend to put off the simple things on my to do list til the last minute, and it rarely ends well. I was reading a study and it talked about just counting in your head to 5, and when you get there you do the simple task right away and it only takes a few moments when you have down time.

5. Exercise! When I exercise, I am more awake and motivated to get my to do list done. There's something about working up a sweat that makes you feel good like you could tackle and complete the rest of your to do list.

6. Use the Pomodoro Technique. This method was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, you break down work into intervals and take small breaks in between. I do best when I set a timer for 45 minutes and a break for 15 minutes. During the 15 minute breaks I try to get my simple tasks done, that way I am doing something completely different than what I was working on.

7. Prep the night before with a plan. Like I mentioned before, I schedule my week every Sunday in my calendar, blocking out times that I know are filled with classes, projects, work and cheer. The night before I review what's planed the following day and make adjustments where needed and I add more details in my calendar. I'll also have my bags packed with everything that's needed for the next day the night before.

As much as this list helps me to get through my rough patches during the year, it's also about having a balanced life. I go to school, work and cheer, sometimes I forget about having fun and making time for me. It's important to have something you look forward to and a time where you can relax and refresh.

Life is about growing. I love learning new things and gaining new experiences, but it's also important to enjoy life, and when I get stressed I forget to have fun.

Hope y'all are enjoying this fall weather, because in Logan it switches from 30 degrees in the morning to the mid 60s in the afternoon!

xoxo

M'Taya