Lately, I have been working on regaining control. I’m not sure how many people will be able to relate to this, but recently I’ve been feeling like I don’t have the control over my life that I wish I did. It sounds crazy. I would normally consider myself an outgoing, spontaneous person, but it just becomes hard when I feel as if I’m not in control over being able to successfully get up early, or make sure that I complete my workout for the day. I have been feeling like I am in a hole, unable to get out, and I haven’t been able to accomplish what I want to, motivate myself to workout, eat healthily, etc. So here is what I am *attempting* to incorporate into my life right now to get me back on track.
First off, I make to-do lists every day! Being able to put simple things into a list format and check the boxes as the day goes on has truly been a great change, it also helps me to plan out my day so I know that for example, if I plan to work out, I made time for it, so there’s no reason why I shouldn’t! Checking the boxes makes me feel like I am slowly regaining control, and I am empowered to check all the boxes and accomplish what needs to be done! Moving into an apartment off-campus definitely contributed to putting me in this funk- going from waking up early, walking to Talley to meet up with friends or get Starbucks, etc. and going about my day bouncing from place to place and getting to know more people, to being secluded about 8 minutes from campus, having to drive to get to Hillsborough St. or Talley, has been difficult. I’ve been spending more time inside, not feeling the sunshine on my face which allows me to thrive in the summer, and haven’t been feeling the best about my health and self-image. How can I combat all of these thoughts going around and around my head? Starting with to-do lists, I have been working on fitting more into my day to match the first 3 weeks of my freshman year. Meeting up with friends, putting “go on a walk” on my to-do list, and making sure to put time aside in my day for social interaction has aided the complete shock I felt going from being around new people all day every day to seeing the same people daily. Overall, I am still learning, but by giving yourself grace, and not trying to completely change in a day you will slowly see results. Beginning to incorporate healthy habits, such as completing a to-do list, or making time for social interaction (as well as self-care and recharging of your social battery), you will see a change as I have and slowly begin to regain control of your life.