Life Hacks
How do I get better at time management?
It’s only a couple of weeks into the school year, so don’t freak out if you haven’t perfected a routine yet. (I’m talking to you, Preps.) First things first, you need to get an agenda. Without a planner, you have no hope of keeping track of all the things you have to do. If you’re a Prep or a Lower, it may feel like a planner is a bit excessive. There’s Canvas, right?
Wrong. As you take on more and more responsibility, you will find that you have to send e-mails, manage multiple projects at a time and work on your college applications. In other words, getting a planner now will ensure that you establish the habits you need in order to thrive later on in your Exeter career.
If you have tried your best, you won’t feel regretful; even if you still fail, get up and try again!
How do I control my emotions and maintain concentration?
Hard work is not defined by how much time you have spent, but on how much progress you have made. Concentration is the key to efficiency. In order to gain more concentration, you must first clear all the unnecessary thoughts off your mind, such as regrets from earlier mistakes, social life anxieties, relationship issues, and of course, most importantly, the pressure to achieve perfection. You can develop your concentration by doing a short meditation before doing your work. Once your mind is cleared, the quality of your work will be enhanced, and you will find it much easier to generate creative ideas.
Take a deep breath, pause and think for a second before making any decisions. Your second thought can be very different from your first instinct. I’m not saying that we should completely ignore our senses and emotions, but we need to keep in mind that they can deceive our conscience sometimes. Sit down and make a list of all the things that are important for you in the long run and the things that you value the most in your life. Some of them might be hard or challenging, but don’t be afraid because once you give it a start, you will gain the momentum. Carry the list with you and always remind yourself what your priorities are and why you consider them as your priorities. Do these things first no matter how tempting the distractions in front of you seem to be. If you have tried your best, you won’t feel regretful; even if you still fail, get up and try again!
How can I find mental peace amidst a stressful week?
Mental health is an important and much-discussed issue at Exeter, yet most students still get rather stressed on a weekly basis. However, I have found that with a bit of effort and adventurousness, one can find places and friends that help to alleviate stress. Concerts, poetry readings, and Wednesday Meditations in Phillips Church are places to sit back and listen to others’ artistry. Also, spending time in Phillips Church, D^2, or taking a walk to the Thursday farmers’ market can help to re-focus your thoughts. If you can, take a few friends to the Exeter fields or trails and learn about the intricate network of paths that the Academy owns. Lastly, don’t forget that giving to others—whether it’s a little gift for a dormmate’s birthday or getting involved in an ESSO club like Reading Buddies or Gal Pals —can be the best release of stress. The best part of giving to others is that their day is brightened, too.