Conquering Deadlines

Grants are due one week from today, and students are beginning to feel the pressure to finish whatever work remains on their project. The thought of finishing a grant has a way of overshadowing desires to exercise or spend time outside. However, I’m going to provide some ways to deal with the stresses of an impending deadline.

The stress that accompanies looming deadlines can cause an abrupt halt in our self-care activities. Although making time for relaxation or exercise can seem like an unnecessary break in work, it’s important to view those activities as productive (“Self care activities,” n.d.). Attached is an infographic detailing some options for self care activities. Designating time for personal health maintenance and development can provide some of the focus and energy needed to perfect a grant before the deadline. Although most of these options are fairly simple, reviewing the list is sometimes the effective reminder your body needs.

In addition to these personal efforts, other tips for overcoming the pressures of last minute deadlines include sticking to timelines, maintaining contact with your contact from the organization, and providing final drafts to all individuals involved (Coley & Scheinberg, 2014). A combination of all of these suggestions will hopefully make the last stages of the grant writing process less stressful and more productive.