Getting back into the swing of things after a long, relaxing break feels almost impossible. It’s still cozy, stay-inside weather and getting out of bed for an early morning class is the last thing anyone wants to do. It is especially difficult trying to prepare your brain for lectures, multiple assignments, and extracurriculars all over again. It is for all of these reasons that this transition can feel particularly harsh for some. However, there are a few items, self-care rituals, and activities that will not only relieve the early semester stress, but help you to feel organized and ready to take it on.
1. planners
Many people will swear up and down that they can remember everything they need to do, or that they’ll just write it in their phone. When you’re a busy college student though, that usually won’t cut it. Having a designated place for all of your due dates, commitments, meetings, and assignments is a huge part of being organized, and organization is key to success. Not only that, but physically writing things down can often help you remember them.
2. Deep Clean Your Space
A fresh space equals a fresh start in whatever way that might mean for you. If you love to cook, that might mean giving your kitchen a nice scrub. If you’re really into hosting and having your friends over then you can spruce up your common space. Or, if you have an extreme class load and usually end your day doing some homework and watching your favorite show, giving your bedroom a spring cleaning is the perfect way to get your semester started.
3. Daily movement
Giving your body at least 15 to 30 minutes of movement a day is a great step towards improving your mood and motivation. Cater this experience to you and your needs! Are you someone who has tons of energy that just needs to be let out? Lift some weights or head out on a run. Or, slow it down with some yoga, pilates, and nice long walks. For the Chico readers out there, you can never go wrong with a stroll or jog through Bidwell Park. Get your blood pumping and your mind ready to take on this semester.
4. Coffee!
Coffee is a staple of college life, and there is nothing better to ring in the new semester with. Give back to the Chico community and visit some of our local coffee shops to tackle some of your homework. Especially when it’s still a little chilly outside, Stoble or another coffee place is the perfect space to get cozy and productive. Don’t forget to pair a drink with a delicious pastry. It’s the start of the spring semester! You deserve it.
5. Quality Time
We are all finally back from home and the best possible way to begin a new semester is to make time to catch up with your friends. Of course, you’ve been keeping in touch all break, but there’s nothing like having a back-to-school hang-out session with all of the besties, preparing to face this new semester together.
At the end of the day, getting back into the grind of daily classes, work, and everything in between takes a toll. It’s important to make this transition as easy as possible for yourself and to take the time for self-care. It’s a struggle but, hopefully, with the combination of some of these tips and your own beginning-of-school traditions, you can make it your best semester yet.