Ned the Narwhal

Ned Talks: O-fish-ially drowning?

script@css.edu

October 25, 2024

“Hi, Ned. I’m really busy this semester and am struggling to manage everything I’m doing and stay on top of my schoolwork. Do you have any advice?”

     Ned: Hiya friend! This happens to many of us, so don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. A packed schedule can be over-whale-ming! Of course, there’s nothing wrong with staying octo-pied, but once you get to the point of severe imbalance in your life, there might be a problem… especially once things start getting fishy. But that’s what I’m here for, so let’s dive in!

     The first step is to set healthy boundaries between your work and school responsibilities. Let’s get real: How often do you take breaks? Schedule those breaks—they’re not just important; they’re crucial for your mental well-being! Whether it’s quenching your cravings with a quick snack break or grabbing some coffee or tea, it can work wonders for your well-being. Yes, work is important, but YOU are even more important! Taking care of yourself isn’t just necessary; it’s essential for helping you succeed in the long run. 

     And let’s not forget the golden rule of coming out on top of your responsibilities: planning and time management! Don’t get over-whale-med by all the tasks you need to do. You need a plan— no, your plan cannot involve a Time Turner. Instead, when we Muggles have a lot of work to do (and hopefully not as many classes as Hermione), we need a solid plan that we can put into action—and that requires making to-do lists, using Google Calendar (or a planner) and completing tasks in order of importance and priority.

     One way of coping with too many responsibilities is to make a list. Yes, I realize how time-consuming that sounds, but you need to determine what you need to do, how long you have to do it and how you plan to finish it. Set aside time for homework, job(s), family, friends, eating, sleeping and working out. While you don’t need to schedule every second of your day, having some sense of structure might be a good idea so you can get everything fin-ished. 

     Sir Ned III, Nature’s Guardian: Might I add, dearest Ned the Narwhal, that our friend here must take care of themself first and foremost? After all, your well-being is your greatest treasure, and you must keep it shining bright. Ensure that you have time for those activities that make your heart sing… and yet, do not shirk your duties as an adventurous soul. Now, go forth on your adventures in life, and take Sir Ned III’s wisdom to heart!

     Ned: Erm… thank you, Sir Ned. Friends, just remember: what’s important is finding a balance while caring for your needs. We all need support sometimes—and that’s completely okay! Asking for help doesn’t make you irresponsible or lazy; it shows you’re smart enough to know when to tap out. And please, if you’re nearing your breaking point, hold off on taking on any new “adventures,” as Sir Ned III so… eloquently put it.

     “Hi Ned!! I have been having problems with my roommates inviting people over and not giving me a warning. I don’t mind people being over, but it gets overwhelming having people over constantly. I’ve brought it up, and they were understanding, but it keeps happening. What do I do?”

     Ned: Hiya friend! It can be over-whale-ming when your roommates don’t respect your boundaries. Maybe you need to set some “No People Allowed” time with your roommates, a time when no one can come over and you have time to study, have a game night, watch TV together or cook a meal. If that doesn’t work, try politely asking if they can go to their friends’ rooms instead. 

     Your needs are important, too, and if it’s becoming so over-whale-ming that it’s beginning to interfere with your mental health (or even just your homework), you have every right to set some stricter boundaries with your roommates. Unfor-tuna-tely, you’ll probably have to sit down with your roommates again and make your voice heard; however, if you feel that’s a little too assertive for your liking, you can also try collaborating with your roommates to set and enforce some boundaries. Maybe all you and your roommates need to do is to set “visiting hours” for people to come over—but that is entirely up to you to decide whether you feel comfortable enough to broach that topic.

    If you’d rather avoid confrontation or your roommates are simply not listening to your needs, try leaving your room. Go somewhere else, like the library on campus. Hang out or study at a nearby coffee shop, or find another quiet space to get some work done. Maybe even ask a friend if you can go over to their place. Remember, your needs are important, too. There’s nothing wrong with getting out of the house for a bit to calm your nerves. 

     Sir Ned III, Nature’s Guardian: If I might add, my dear friend, you have been wronged. Sincerely wronged! It is unjust. Fight for justice, my friend, and stand your ground! Brandish sickle and sword and challenge them to a friendly duel. Or if your profession favors less physical means, then harness your inner bard and challenge them to a duel of wits. Should you lose, muster up your courage, hold your head up high and—

     Ned: Friends, please don’t listen to Sir Ned III. Please don’t duel the people coming over to your room. Violence is not the answer here, and if you’re on campus, you certainly don’t want to give your RA a heart attack if you start dueling out in the hallway. Solve your problems with kind words and a kind heart.

     Well, that’s all for this edition of Ned Talks. If you have a query you’re just dying to ask, don’t be afraid to write in and ask me for advice by filling out my Google Form: Ned Talks. 

     This is just the beginning of my silly, sagelike shenanigans, so stay tuna-ed for more content next time. As always, one thing’s for shore: who knows what puns I might use next? Sea you next time!