This is the time of year when sh*t starts to pile up. Term papers, midterms, finals, volunteer commitments, work commitments, and personal care commitments. Deadlines and responsibilities. These things can make life feel crazed and overwhelming, and we all feel this way at some point, but there are a few things you can do to make life a little easier.
First things first: prioritize! In your planner, agenda, bullet journal, or a smartphone app, make a list of everything you have to do this week (I mean every last detail!). Then, in another list, organize your weekly list into days by putting each item from the weekly list into the day of the week in which you have to accomplish this task.
***If you have a paper due on Wednesday, do not write that you have to do the paper on Wednesday. Clearly mark that Wednesday is the due date, but allow yourself time on Sunday or Monday to actually write that paper.
Secondly, eliminate anything from your schedule that is not crucial. When you are overwhelmed because you want to maintain your GPA, yet you have 4 exams and 2 papers and 1 presentation, and you have to work, maybe that lunch date with your bestie can wait. They will understand, just reschedule.
If you have to eliminate things from your schedule, you must also learn to say “no”. This is one that I struggle with personally. If you have a million and one things to do for school or work this week, and your boss at your volunteer gig asks you to help out for an extra hour, or your friend asks if you can tutor her, or your parents’ friend asks you to babysit, you can say “no”.
By declining when someone asks you a favor, you are not being rude, or mean, or a bad person- sometimes you have to put yourself first. Politely tell the person you cannot do it this week, but you will make it up to them another time (or don’t! You don’t owe anyone anything).
Finally, just breathe. Nothing is more important than your mental health. Take care of yourself first, and don’t take on too many responsibilities. When you prioritize, put your health first by scheduling time for breakfast, a shower, or a nap. When you feel good, everything else will come naturally.
We hope these few tips come in handy and help you to accomplish your goals. How do you manage your time? What are your best tips for staying in control of your busy schedule? We love your feedback!
For the smoothie lover: spinach, frozen green grapes, avocado, banana, almond milk, and chia seeds topped with sliced kiwi, oats, pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of honey. (Not featured: delicious lemon infused water!)
For the outdoorsy: whole grain cereal topped with a variety of berries in an aesthetically pleasing wooden bowl. Don’t forget your thermos of tea or coffee!
For eating out: this incredible dish from TwisT by Roger Mooking can be found in Toronto Pearson International Airport (a second home for Canadian travellers). It is warm bananas topped with granola, plain greek yogurt, berries, herbs, and honey.
For brunch: slept in? No problem- try an 11 am slice of avocado toast topped with cracked pepper and one egg, over-easy.
For the on-the-go: overnight oats (check out Pinterest for some sweet recipes!) topped with blueberries in a mason jar for an antioxidant rich, protein-packed breakie in a hurry!
For the sweet tooth: these delicious pancakes are gluten-free and vegan and the key ingredient is avocado. Find the recipe in one of our 
Le Tour de Montreal. The Montreal Tower is the world’s tallest inclined tower- 165m at a 45-degree angle! Located at the Olympic Stadium, take the elevator to the top of the tower for a stunning 360-degree view of Montreal. It’s also a great concert venue, we saw ACDC while we were there.
One thing I’ve learned, as I’ve grown older is the importance of finding happiness and sheer bliss in everyday moments. Not everything in your life will be extraordinary but there will be extraordinary moments in every day. I challenge you to be mindful of your mind, body, soul and those you surround yourself with. Find your passions – follow them. Love what you love. Dust yourself off every time you get knocked down and try again. Laugh along the way and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself.
Try black shoes and tights and a black skirt, big bag, hat, and a crisp white shirt. I added a pop of red with the belt and of course, Mary’s iconic umbrella!
All you need to embody Rosie the Riveter is denim, denim, and a red bandana or ribbon.
We put a more modern twist on Dorothy with this blue checkered vest and cuffed jeans. Don’t forget the ruby slippers!!
Penny Lane’s iconic look was a fur-trimmed jacket with purple tinted sunglasses. Try a crochet top with 70s flare jeans for a look that matches the era.
This one’s easy: black shoes, black tights, a black dress with a white collar, and twin braids. Oh, and, don’t smile. 😉
