By Graduate Ambassador Stephanie Martin, master’s student in library and information sciences

Last semester was one of the toughest times of my life because my dad was unexpectantly diagnosed with cancer. I was trying to juggle a work-life balance, working five jobs and taking three graduate-level classes. The stress felt unbearable at times, and juggling everything seemed almost impossible. Luckily, I used the skills of stress and time-management to help me navigate through this very trying semester.

If you’re dealing with a heavy workload, challenging personal life, or just the everyday stress of trying to keep up with school and life, I hope these five tips will help you maintain your work-life balance and keep you moving forward, even when things feel impossible at times.

Prioritize deadlines

Focus on what is due immediately and what can wait. If it helps, make a list and check items once you complete them—even if it’s something as small as getting out of bed. Accomplishing small tasks throughout the day can give you a boost and make you feel more in control.

It’s OK to say no

Whether it’s friends asking you to go out, family members requesting your time, or your boss asking you to take on extra responsibilities when you’re already at your limit, it is OK to say no. Understand where you are in that moment and respect your own boundaries.

Give yourself some grace

You may start to feel a weight that you’ve not experienced before, so giving yourself some grace and some extra time to breathe is a must. These are the times you need to prioritize self-care. Remember, self-care looks different for everyone. This might mean watching a favorite TV show, reading a book, taking a bath or going for a walk. Remember to embrace all five senses, and get creative with how you take care of yourself!

Look for structure in an unstructured world

Life is unpredictable and things will inevitably pop up, like forgetting a friend’s birthday or missing a meeting at work. Instead of letting these unexpected things throw you off, create a structured schedule that works for you. You can print free, cute calendars that show you the day, week or month to keep track of important dates and deadlines. This was a game changer for me.

Rely on your support system

One of the biggest lessons I learned during this time was who was in my support system, and in some surprising ways, who wasn’t. While I expected my family to be my go-to during these trying times, it turned out that my co-workers were the ones who supported me the most. I grew closer to my boss and director. I even had the opportunity to go to a painting class with my director to take my mind off the stress.

Last semester was incredibly challenging, but using these time- and stress-management strategies helped me get through it without sacrificing my mental or physical health. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and sometimes things get tough. But with the right mindset and strategies in place, you can navigate through even the most difficult times.

I’m happy to share that my dad is out of the hospital now, and we even got to spend New Year's Eve dancing at a party together. It’s a reminder that, despite the toughest times, there is always room for hope and healing.

As my director Julie says, “Take things one day, one minute, or even one second at a time!”