It feels like it was only two weeks ago when I was coming back to Charlottesville for yet another semester at UVA. However, completely out of nowhere, the middle of the semester knocked on my door last week with the horrifying news that midterms were approaching. Needless to say I have been working and studying full speed and spending hours skimming through pages of my textbooks. While it has become the norm for my life in the past couple of days, it doesn’t mean this tendency to let school overrule is ok.
When you are in college, especially during exam weeks, it is sometimes hard to understand the difference between prioritizing and overworking. You are often inclined to give wellness and health a “second in line position”, with the sole hope of succeeding academically. But, is this really the way to do it? Will you really be as successful as you want to be if you neglect yourself and your health? The answer is no, and to help you, here are a list of hacks and tips I found to be extremely helpful and will definitely ease you into the wellness-first life approach in college:
1. Remember the importance of your “me time” The sole fact that you are living in a dorm can give you the impression that you have to be with people all the time. But don’t forget that every person needs a pause before a GO!
2. Work out at least 3 times in a week. People often work out to loose weight or stay fit; nevertheless, this approach to workout it a more mental one. Exercising is a great way to relieve stress and pick up energy you might be needing.
3. Never eat last week´s leftovers. Yes, ew. But college students are to loyal to the “extreme times call for extreme measures” saying. Believe me when I say it is better to take 5 minutes to go buy dinner than to run the risk of getting sick because you ate a rotten pizza.
4. Walk, walk, walk! Avoid public transportations and cabs: the more you walk the more exercise you get!
5. Talk/breath yourself out of stress before it takes you over. When you realize you are starting to spiral out of control: STOP. Take a couple of seconds to take deep breaths and remind yourself to stay focused and take the day one second at a time.
6. Stay organized. I have found that many times the cause of my stress isn’t the amount of work that I have to do, but the fact that everything is spread out all over the place and I can’t find what I need when I need it!
7. Balance your college experience out. Too much of everything can overwhelm you. Do everything you want to do but in measured quantities.
8. Don’t be scared to ask for help when you need it. All campuses have resources for helping students. Take advantage and ask for help. The people in these places are trained to be there for you and can support you, but they can only help if you ask!
9. Keep a little first aid kit in your dorm/room. I don’t mean you should have anesthesia, needles and syringes in your room. Pads or rubbing alcohol, ibuprofen and some band-aids will do to avoid infections when you scratch yourself or bad headaches when you see them coming! Don’t wait for the last minute to stock up on these.
10. Set healthy eating goals for yourself. College is full of pizza, cookies and junk food. However, how about if you eat a salad for a change’
11. Prioritize sleep. Last but ABSOLUTLEY NOT LEAST. Remember to sleep. All kids of things can be avoided if you just close your eyes and let your body restart.
While reading the list you might have thought “Well I knew this already.” However, reminding yourself of the importance of each and everyone of these points is harder than you think!