Have you ever felt lost in your own head? You have plans with friends, but there’s a thousand-page paper due tomorrow at 9 am, and you have no idea what to do next? When it comes down to it, finding your ideal routines takes some time, with particularly a lot of trial-and-error along the way. To help navigate these times, these three tips will provide you with a sufficient boost in adjusting to new surroundings on campus, as well as new clubs, activities, and friend groups.
- Take Care of Yourself
What helps me the most when I am stressed or overwhelmed is taking time to focus on the things I need to get done. When you receive assignments and other work that must get done, try to do it as soon as it lands in your hands and is assigned to you. That way, you won’t feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Having unfinished assignments hanging over your head can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and stress. Along with academic responsibilities, make sure you are keeping up with things that are important to you. This includes…
- Cleaning
- Organizing
- Doing your laundry
- Making your bed
- Hygiene
- Skincare
- Exercise
Even though some days we may lack the motivation to do even the simplest of tasks, we have to keep our priorities in mind and not lose track of our focus. Things happen, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way, but learning to be independent is crucial in college life. I encourage you to create your own personalized list of tasks that are important to you. You could even add times to specify when you will complete each task throughout the day.
- You ＞ Your Haters
The friendship drama. It is inevitable. Those girls whom you thought were your “friends” were just there to catch up on all your life drama to put in their two cents. Keep it simple: be the better person and say hi with a smile. If they are not willing to be there for you in your lowest moments or cheering for your many successes in life, then you should not be a crutch for them to rely on. Instead, find people who are on the same page as you are and have the same goals in life. On a college campus, it is so easy to meet people, especially through classes and clubs. Once you find your friends, you will realize you made the right decision to surround yourself with healthy friendships. Stay out of drama and succeed together!
- Get On Your Fitness Journey!
There are many ways to go about self-care, but my favorite has to be exercise. Going to the gym and using the treadmill is the most effective way to clear my mind of all the overthinking and stress that accumulates throughout the day. Whether you are in the gym 24/7 or have never stepped foot in one, walking on the treadmill is a great way to start your fitness journey. If you feel hesitant about being around sweaty individuals, there are plenty of other options to incorporate daily movement. Most campuses offer fitness classes, ranging from dance to yoga to Pilates. Once you establish a routine for your physical well-being, your academics will also become easier to manage. Prioritizing your health is extremely important for living your best life.
Whether you choose to implement one, two, or all three of these motivational strategies into your day-to-day life, I am sure you will not regret it. Taking the first step is always the hardest part, especially if you are not currently following any guided routine. In order to initiate change in your life, focusing on self-care and not relying on anyone else is necessary. Go ahead, get out there, have fun, and stay true to yourself. Good luck! You can do it.