Time management is a problem so many of us struggle with, and it is not an easy skill to master. In fact, it requires regular self-reflection and adjustments, especially when old habits resurface, and our work-life balance slips out of alignment.

The same can be said for college students. One study found time management among the top challenges for students to finish their degrees. Another study found that 78% of students have struggled with time management at some point during school. Additionally, 59% of those students say procrastination is the main cause.

Students are juggling so much on their plates between balancing academics, work, social life, and extracurricular activities. Without effective time management skills, students can find themselves struggling academically and mentally, leading to disengagement and delayed graduations.

Common time management challenges for students

The most common issues we see college students struggling with when it comes to time management are:

• Lack of sleep causing students to fall behind in multiple areas of life
• Procrastinating important tasks until the last minute
• Overcommitment in other areas of campus life, like social and extracurricular activities
• Lack of prioritization between urgent and important tasks
• Distractions including technology, like social media and texting
• Perfectionism causing them to take too much time on small details, slowing progress
• Lack of healthy eating and movement contributes to students feeling sluggish and unable to concentrate.

Here’s the good news. We know students want help, and there are strategies that colleges and universities can provide to help students overcome these challenges and find success both inside and outside of the classroom.

As a health coach for TimelyCare, I speak with students who often feel stressed and want to feel better. We work together through TimelyCare’s health coaching service to set goals to help them manage their time more effectively.

For example, I worked with a student who felt completely overwhelmed by their responsibilities and had been reacting to school and activities as they came up, rather than planning out their daily and weekly schedules. They also wanted to adopt healthier ways to manage their stress, including incorporating more physical activity into their schedule.

To start, we reviewed their schedule for a week to identify the times they could prioritize essential tasks – such as classes, homework, studying, and social activities. This helped the student better see where they could incorporate movement into their schedule. We also explored time-blocking strategies to organize these priorities and introduced tools to help them manage their schedule and to-dos. This student preferred a digital calendar and notes app to keep them on track.

Ultimately, we set a realistic goal of fitting in exercise 2-3 times per week, with morning workouts during the week and one session over the weekend. By gradually implementing these changes, the student began to meet their goal and soon developed a consistent exercise routine. This change not only helped reduce their stress but also gave them a greater sense of control and a more positive start to their day.

Five effective student time management strategies

Natural disasters are realities that can disrupt the communities they affect, including college campuses.

Take the recent hurricanes, Milton and Helene, for example. Many colleges across Florida closed in preparation for and in response to Hurricane Milton, and colleges in Western North Carolina – an area devastated by Hurricane Helene – were still closed weeks after the storm caused historic flooding.

The ramifications of a significant weather event span from physical to emotional, which has undoubtedly played out in an already busy storm season this fall.

While there are many critically important measures to consider and take when preparing for and responding to natural disasters, the mental health of the campus community should be one of them.

For students away from home, friends, and family who have limited resources and are already struggling to manage the pressures of academic responsibilities, social connections, and personal growth, the unpredictability of a natural disaster can heighten feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness. By proactively addressing mental health before disaster strikes, students can build resilience, stay grounded during a crisis, and more effectively recover in the aftermath.

Five ways disasters affect emotional well-being

A recent survey found that 65% of college students are stressed and/or anxious about the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Following unrest and protests on many college campuses in the spring, more than half of students said engaging in political dialogue affects their mental health. With many decisions to be made in the coming months that will impact students in the short and long term, how can institutions of higher education support students’ mental health during a time of uncertainty?

The webinar, “Calming the Chaos – Supporting Student Mental Health Amid Political Uncertainty,” part of TimelyCare’s Gen Ztressed webinar series, brought together experts in higher education and mental health advocacy to discuss strategies for supporting civic engagement on campus while protecting student mental health. NBC News Digital Reporter Maya Eaglin moderated the panel discussion, including:

• Makini I. Austin, LPC, CPCS, Director, Wellness Center, Agnes Scott College
• Dr. Vanessa Jenkins, Executive Director of Health and Wellness, Norfolk State University
• Dr. Shane Chaplin, Executive Director Counseling and Psychological Services, Carnegie Mellon University

Student mental health challenges during this election year

Students face uncertainty and fear about the future in today’s politically charged climate. They often feel the urge to act immediately on issues they’re passionate about but are simultaneously anxious about the unknown and potential challenges that lie ahead. Conflict resolution, self-expression, and uncertainty management are critical areas in which students seek support.

Chaplin has seen a rise in anxiety and depression among students; however, he is encouraged that today’s students are more likely to seek help and recognize their need for mental health support. He finds their anxiety often stems from a fear of failure and perfectionism.

Students are asking, ‘What’s the point?’

Eaglin, a Gen Z reporter for “Stay Tuned” at NBC News, said one of the biggest things she hears from other Gen Z’ers is, ‘What’s the point?’.

‘What’s the point in voting? What’s the point of getting good grades? What’s the point in staying active on campus and maintaining my social life when I just feel exhausted?’ These are examples of questions she hears often.

Many young people feel overwhelmed by the pressures of school, social life, and a world full of crises that seem beyond their control.

Jenkins said connection is a crucial component to managing feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. While it can be easy to isolate and retreat, staying engaged can offer a support system. At the same time, she said it is important to know when to protect your personal space and set boundaries for engaging with others.

Chaplin added that while Gen Z is driven by a desire to change the world, they are also inundated with political, environmental, and social crises that can make their efforts futile.

“Finding spaces for people to connect and to find ways to lift students’ voices to get them to feel empowered, to take action, to really differentiate between what it is that they can control and what it is that they can’t,” said Chaplin. “That feels like such important work.”

He emphasized that empowering students to find strength in community will ultimately help them navigate the chaos of today’s world without feeling paralyzed.

Strategies students can use for coping with stress

There are several ways that students can manage stress during election season, including staying informed in moderation, engaging in respectful conversations, practicing self-care, and setting boundaries around political content: