   A new school year means new classes, new living accommodations (for me at least), and getting back into your daily routine. All of this is very exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. That’s why for today’s article I wanted to share some simple ways to check in with yourself during this first semester. These are things that really help me, so I hope they help you too!
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Journaling
    I’ve heard a lot of good things about journaling and its benefits for your mindset, and I’m here to say that it really does work wonders. It seems so simple, writing down your thoughts in a notebook, but it’s a great way to put things into perspective and get your thoughts out in a private space. I’ve been trying to write a little bit in my journal every night before I go to bed (as opposed to being on my phone), and I’ve found that it’s not only a great space to “brain dump”, but this also makes me feel at peace so I wake up feeling refreshed for the new day.
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Listen To Relaxing Music
    I’ve written about this before, but it’s something that I still do, so I figured it was worth mentioning. Since upgrading to Spotify Premium (one of the best decisions I made this summer), I can download my favorite playlists and listen to them anywhere. Whenever I need to wind down, I listen to Coffee House Instrumentals, Jazz, or Classical Music. These genres help me relax and recharge, which is really important to do especially if you live in a fast-paced, busy city like New York.
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Go For A Walk
    Going for walks are great because you get to step out of your dorm building and get some fresh air. Walks don’t only have physical benefits, they also allow you to clear your head while taking in the sites around you. Last semester I would typically take to the streets of New York and go to a local coffee shop if I needed some time out of the dorms, but this year I’m going to make an effort to walk to my local park whenever I need to relax! Â
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Yoga
    I started doing yoga this summer and I absolutely love it! Not only is yoga relaxing, but it’s also a great form of exercise. I find that I feel so good after doing yoga. Whenever I finish one of Yoga With Adrienne’s videos, I feel energized and ready to take on the day! I highly recommend subscribing to her YouTube channel and giving yoga a try if you haven’t already!
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    Those are my simple self-care tips! While this is an exciting time academically and socially, it’s important to make some time for yourself to recharge so that you can move into this school year being the best version of yourself. Here’s to having a great school year! Â
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