The start of the semester is always difficult – new classes, new professors, and an adjustment to a whole new schedule. For me, the start of this semester has been particularly hard as I just returned from a semester abroad in London. It’s definitely stressful to return to “reality” after the excitement of abroad and the holidays, and I bet I’m not the only one who’s wishing that Spring Break was closer than it is. While we can’t change the College’s schedule, we can change our mentality about the new semester! One of the best things that everyone can do for themselves is practicing self-care, or any activity that you do to deliberately take care of your physical, mental, and/or emotional health. Here are some of my favorite ways to self-care!
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1. Go to the gymIf you’re like me, working out more often was one of your top New Year’s Resolutions. While it’s not always easy to find motivation, I’ve noticed that I feel so much better and more productive after I’ve spent some time working out. Start small, dedicate yourself to reaching attainable goals, and don’t be too hard on yourself! Going to the gym can be super intimidating, especially when it seems like everyone is a professional athlete. Just remember that you’re there for one person: yourself. Be proud!
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2. Make a schedule and stick to itIt’s so easy for responsibilities to pile up and turn into daunting tasks. An easy way to avoid this is to get a planner and write down everything. Put all your assignments in there, your class schedule, even times that you plan to go to the store/library/see friends. Having a place to plan out your life will make everything more manageable. And, if you’re feeling creative, you can color code your days and add stickers/graphics to make everything look more fun!
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3. View everything you put into your body as “fuel”I’m the biggest fan of desserts (trust me), but I’ve noticed that when I’m stressed and turn to unhealthy foods for comfort, it often just makes me feel sick. One of the best ways to take care of yourself is to eat things that make you feel good. Make a list of yummy foods that are also really good for you (fruits, whole-grain bread, protein bars, eggs, Greek yogurt, etc.). Next time you’re craving a greasy cheeseburger, look at your list and pick something from there instead. You’ll thank yourself later!
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4. Keep in touch with important people in your lifeBeing away at college would be impossible without a support system. You have friends here, professors that have helped you during your college career, and coworkers who have become confidants. But, there are people at home who love you, too. As the semester goes on, it’s more and more likely that you’ll start to miss these family and friends, and a good way to avoid feeling sad about it is to express gratitude for the people who have shown you support. Make time to FaceTime your mom and write letters to your best friend. You’ll feel much better and more connected to them the more effort you put into those relationships!
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5.Take time to relaxObviously, it’s super important to get all of your work done. But, life as a college student can be overwhelming at times. Don’t forget to give yourself breaks from work. Watch an episode of “The Office” on Netflix, read a book for fun, take a bath, get dinner with friends. Whatever makes you happy, be sure to make time for it!
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Hopefully, by trying some of these self-care ideas, you’ll find yourself less stressed and more excited for the upcoming semester. Best of luck, collegiettes!
HCXO!
All photos courtesy of Pinterest.com.