current problems.

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just a list of things that are messing me up in school right now. i'll probably use this thread to track progress, if there is any. i'd love some advice too, if anyone thinks they can help.

1) Sleeping. I can't seem to follow a schedule, because I always have the urge to get things done at night. I also never seem to actually know if I'm tired or not, and then all of a sudden I just pass out and I can't wake up when the alarm goes off. Totally messes up all the rest of the schedule--classes, homework, etc. Guess the obvious answer is to force myself to follow a schedule with regards to sleep, but...easier said than done.

2) Showering and all related activities. Yeah...I don't know what the problem is here. Can't do it if the roomie is at home. Causes huge amounts of anxiety even when I'm home alone. Again, does not follow any sort of schedule. Should probably force myself to shower at a particular time of day. Because with the way I'm doing it right now, sometimes I just decide (when I need to be getting to class) I NEED a shower right now. And then I miss class. Go me. (not)

3) Deadlines for homework. I get anxious about the fact that there is a deadline and the prof could change it if he wanted to. Weird? Yeah. I end up spending more time thinking about deadlines than about homework.

4) Schedules in general. I hate them. I want to do things when I want to do them. I'm sure most people probably feel like this, but I seem to hate them more than most. I feel like I could get more done without a schedule of classes/sleeping/shower/etc. but that's not how the world works. I believe this is a problem because my brain seems inclined to create a schedule for me all on its own, and I feel torn between the two. Weird.

eating right-definitely a problem. can't figure out how to eat so i have energy.

I have similar problems, so hopefully I can help...

I think the best thing to do here is to set a bedtime in stone for a few weeks until your body gets used to a proper sleep schedule. Or you can ask your doc for a temporary sleeping pill prescription. If you're feeling tired while working then just stop. I know that's not easy because the anxiety of failing will keep you awake, but try to reason with yourself: you can't do well academically deprived of sleep. And if you're consuming caffeine a lot during the day, that can prohibit you from sleeping too.



Is it because you don't want to be seen with only a towel on? Don't want to be walked in on? Something else?
If you're worried about privacy, take your change of clothes into the bathroom with you and lock the door. Try doing it before bed; it can also help you wind down for sleep. Shortly after starting school, I was anxious about the fire alarms going off while I was showering and having to evacuate in my towel. I just planned my showers for times students in the other apt dorms weren't typically cooking. If you're afraid to shower around your roomie, just think: you're both the same gender (assumption) and you have the same parts. Think: "They're just another person having to live in a shared space and showering is something that we both have to do" Set an alarm if you need to, and when it goes off you shower no matter who's there.



I hate deadlines. Probably because the word "dead" is in it and I equate not meeting the deadline with actual death. Best thing you can do is do the homework. If it's not due for some time, complete a little day by day so that by the time it's actually due you won't have much to worry about.



My loathing of schedules is why I can't keep up with a job. When I actually feel motivated to do certain things then I can't do them because of something scheduled. You can try online classes, where you're on your own schedule for learning. Even if you hate them, you need to keep some sort of schedule or routine. Start small (like bed by 11, shower at 10, etc.) and work your way up to an entire agenda.


And about the eating, I have the same issue too. I can cook, but only if everything is there. This will probably be tedious but you're going to have to plan. Think about the dishes you like and quick dishes you are able to prepare for yourself. Make a list (group meals together if need be) and go to the store. Buy foods that you eat; do not get creative because impulse buys are a waste of money that most likely won't be eaten. You should always have small snacks around, like nutri grain/granola bars or something. And buy fruits/veggies because they're good for energy, especially apples.

Thanks so much leeloudallas, this was really helpful

You're welcome:)
good luck!