When I opened Blackboard the other day, I saw a message saying that I had a grade above the course average. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Some people could have dropped the class or missed the first assignment … but, I still clicked on it.

When the site compared me to my classmates, I noticed that I had spent almost 10 hours inside of the website or working on assignments within Blackboard. 

That’s way too much for it only being the first couple weeks of the semester. Especially since I don’t type up my work on the actual site. I only use it to turn things in or to check what needs to be done.

It was a bit of a reality check for me seeing that I’ve spent such a ridiculously large amount of time on a class that has had almost no work. It led me to look at the rest of my classes to see how long I had spent.

It wasn’t any better. 

I know it sounds silly to say that it could be “addictive” to check on your coursework so often, but realizing the amount of time I’ve spent on just this site alone fully supports it. 

I’ve also realized that I check my email almost constantly, which I’ve been told by others is excessive. 

I’m beginning to believe that there is so much more to college life than just your class load. Many students do not obsess over their computers almost daily and still thrive in their classes. 

I’m not saying you shouldn’t care about your classes, but being hunched over your laptop working constantly isn’t healthy.

If you find yourself in a situation like this or you feel that this resonates with you, please remember that this is just college. It is not meant to stress you out this much. Take a step back and breathe for a second. 

Just because you may be labeled as a “full-time student” does not mean that you have to be glued to your screen at all hours of the day.

Make time in your schedule to live. Make time to do something for yourself, not for your classes. Make time to have fun.

Do not hyperfixate on your discussion post about what chapter 8 says. Just get your thoughts down, turn it in and move on. 

Going to an event hosted by the university or going out to eat with some friends is a good escape and a way to take a mental and physical step away from work.

I’ve found that doing little things like this often takes my mind off what needs to be done in the next three weeks and helps me feel less anxious in general.

If you take the time to take care of yourself, you may actually perform better academically in your classes and feel more confident in your abilities. 

I’ve come to terms with the fact that there is more to life than 11:59. You should too. It’ll save you a lot of worries.