The first semester of my sophomore year was not the best. I was not as productive as I wanted to be, and I was anxious/depressed at points throughout the entire semester. I lost my true happiness, and I got by watching the clock and waiting for the day to come to an end. I know it’s sad and pathetic, but honestly, I think I needed to go through that hard season to become the person I am today. I am on my second-semester grind, and I am the happiest I have been in a while. January 1st, 2024 changed everything for me. I wholeheartedly believe that February 1st, 2024 can change everything for you too.
Let’s break this all down. February 1st is currently six days away. By the time this article comes out, it might be sooner. However, that is still plenty of time to set your life up for a change. A needed change. Make the 1st your starting date. Now, if you think your life is perfect, go ahead and disregard this article. However, if you think there is even the smallest thing you would like to improve on for the semester to come, keep reading.
Now, first things first, look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself how amazing you are. How beautiful you are. How kind you are. Change is difficult and there will be times when you fail, but never forget that you are one of a kind.
Let’s start at the beginning of the day. Please get up early. This does not mean you have to wake up at the crack of dawn. However, if you wake up 30 minutes before class, your productivity could drop for the remainder of the day. You will be rushing out the door just to get to your first class and dreading the day before it comes. Trust me, I have been there. Try to wake up at least an hour before your first class. For me, I try to wake up an hour and a half to two hours before because I like to do my full morning routine. I do my Bible study, plan my day, stretch, make my bed, eat a good breakfast, and do all my morning self-care. Trust me, accomplishing little tasks before the day has even begun will set your day off to a great start. Just try it once. If you don’t like it, then you don’t have to do it again. However, a productive morning will lead to a productive day ahead.
Now, we have made it to our first class of the day. Pay attention. Take notes, and write assignments down so you don’t forget them later. I am notorious for multitasking during class and never grasping the information fully. So, put your phone down and close your laptop if you must, but pay attention. I promise school will start to feel easier even if it is not.
This ties in to not procrastinating. I have talked about this so much and honestly; I have never followed through on it. However, I have not procrastinated so far this year (someone please knock on wood for me) and I feel so much better about school. I am less stressed, and I finally feel like all my time is not being spent on assignments anymore. Also, I feel like I can take time to focus on the work and understand what I am learning. This will help me immensely to prepare for my future job. Again, try it and be diligent about it. It took me a lot of time so don’t beat yourself up if you procrastinate. It happens!
The first class is done! If you have more after this, keep doing the last step. I know it’s hard but push yourself. I believe in you. However, if you have a break, go to the gym. Fun fact: I hated the gym when I first started. I hated the thought of people watching me workout. However, I have gotten comfortable with it the more I go. I put my headphones on and tune out everything around me. I focus on my workout and am intentional with it. That is what matters.
You don’t have to workout for a solid 2 hours and do as many reps as you can. Even if you only have 20 minutes, go walk on the treadmill. Lift some weights. Do yoga or just stretch. Do something to move your body. You will start to feel more energized and stronger. It helps with overall confidence and happiness. Again, just try it and see how it makes you feel. For me, my confidence has soared, and I have started to enjoy going every day.
Classes are officially done for the day. Thank the Lord! Time to go home. However, before you flop onto your bed and take a nap, take some time outside. Go for a walk. Do homework or read a book outside. Just stand outside for a couple of minutes and breathe in the fresh air. We need vitamin D to function correctly, and the fresh air can be so relaxing. Take a second to appreciate everything around you and then go take a nap.
Dinner time! Stop, don’t door dash. Just don’t. Don’t go get fast food either. Yeah, I know what you are thinking. It’s time to cook. Cooking doesn’t have to be such an elaborate thing. You can literally make yourself a pb and j. The point is don’t spend money on food every night or even every other night. Fast food even starts to add up and with inflation, prices are skyrocketing so save some money and cook something easy at home. Your wallet will thank you.
Bedtime is near and we need to prepare for the next day. That is key. Preparing for the day ahead. If you don’t set yourself up for success, it is easier to fail. So, lay out your clothes, place your journal/planner on your nightstand, meal prep, and do your entire night routine. Pamper yourself. You deserve it. Strive for 8 hours of sleep; however, I get around 6-8 so you do not need to be perfect. Try to strive for more than 6 hours! But if you function just fine with less, you do you boo.
I am proud of you for taking the time to read the article. This is just a very basic outline of how to add some peace to your life. Add anything you want but focus on these new habits. It’s time for that second-semester grind. So, what is it? Will you join me? As always, reach for the stars!