Recently, “Ins & Outs” lists cover my TikTok “For You” page. I rarely get onto the app without seeing what people are planning on doing and what people are hoping to stop in the new year. While some ideas on these lists can be specific to a particular individual, they can encourage people to set goals and make 2024 their best year yet. I was inspired to create my own list of the ins and outs for the 2024 spring semester at the University of Florida. This list includes my goals for the next few months to promote healthy habits and end all the negativity in my control.
INS:
1. Spontaneity
Doing something fun that is unexpected can lead you to new experiences, stronger friendships, a sense of adventure and growth. My goal this semester is to be more spontaneous since I usually prefer predictable events and can be worrisome about the unknown. Whether signing up last minute to attend Gasparilla in Tampa or attending a random date function, I hope this semester can be full of exciting moments.
2. Prioritizing Fitness
This semester, I want to feel my best. My mood is immediately enhanced whenever I exercise, and I feel stronger. Morning workouts before my classes have given me more energy throughout the day, have made me feel more productive and have been a fun way to bond with my roommates. According to the CDC, physical activity can reduce one’s risk of disease, enhance one’s brain health, help with weight loss or management and strengthen your body’s muscles and bones. Prioritizing fitness during the spring will help me improve my mental and physical well-being.
3. Outfit Sets
Whether it’s an athletic workout set, loungewear set, pajama set or a nice daily outfit set, you will feel put together. Sometimes, picking out an outfit for the day or a particular event can be challenging since I can be indecisive. Outfit sets have solved that problem. I can quickly pick out what to wear, know the items will match and feel confident. My favorite workout sets are from Lululemon and Free People Active, and the coziest loungewear and pajama sets are from Target.
4. Surround Yourself With People Who Love and Support You
Ensuring I surround myself with loving and supportive people is another goal for the spring semester. My mom always told me, “You are who you hang out with.” This has always encouraged me to spend time with positive, kind and caring people, but sometimes that can be hard. I want to spend extra time with those who make me feel best.
5. Journaling
Journaling is an incredibly beneficial reflection activity that can help one understand their thoughts, improve creativity and gain self-awareness. Before I fall asleep at night, I enjoy writing about whatever comes to my mind. Sometimes, I write about my entire day, something that stood out, a random idea or a particular situation. I love using colorful pens to brighten up my journals. Another benefit of journaling is looking back on particular days, memories and emotions from the past.
6. Gymnastics Meets and Baseball Games
Gymnastics meets in the O’Connell Center consume my Friday nights during the spring semester. These meets are very entertaining, especially since we have a very strong team of talented and accomplished athletes. The school spirit is overwhelming in the O’Dome on these nights as the entire arena is typically filled. I love the rhinestones on the leotards, the music and watching such a challenging sport. Baseball games are another fun sport to attend during the spring semester. While I don’t know much about baseball, I still enjoy attending with my friends whenever we have free time.
7. Fun Cold Weather Gear
Walking on campus without dripping in sweat is a luxury students experience during the spring in the Swamp. Now, I can wear my long-sleeved tops, sweatshirts and leggings that are usually tucked away in my closet. Cute cold weather gear keeps me feeling comfortable and snug during these chilly months.
8. Drinking Lots of Water
Staying hydrated is so important since UF’s campus requires lots of walking. Even though the weather is chilly, we still have to drink water. I always have my bright pink water bottle with me.
9. Spring Break
Most say this is the best week of the spring semester, and I agree. Whether you spend the week on a trip with your friends, visiting home or staying in Gainesville, this week off in March is well-deserved and perfect for relaxation and making great memories.
10. Darties
Darties (daytime parties) are the spring version of football game tailgates in the fall. When the weather is nice and sunny, it is almost guaranteed that a darty will be happening. This is a great time to socialize with friends, meet new people and fill your weekends with an activity.
11. Getting Fully Ready Each Day
When I take the extra time in the morning to get fully ready, I feel so much better. While it can be time-consuming to do this, it is rewarding. Putting on sunscreen and light makeup, styling my hair and putting on a cute outfit allows me to start my day off on a high note.
12. Continue to Get Involved
Involvement doesn’t stop after the fall semester. Explore additional involvement opportunities at UF. The school offers so many interesting clubs, organizations and service events. Talk to your friends and peers and look online or on social media for opportunities to take advantage of during the new semester.
13. Library Study Dates
Library study dates with friends motivate me to complete my work. When with other people, I am held accountable. There are so many libraries and study places on campus to explore.
14. The Orange and Blue Game
The spring football game in April, where the Gators split in half and play against each other, is the perfect fall preview. Wearing your favorite orange and blue fits, spending the entire day with your closest friends and cheering on the Gators makes for an ideal day. It’s also amazing since we win either way.
OUTS:
1. Procrastination
It is time to stop putting annoying assignments off until the last minute, which causes a bunch of stress. I perform much better when I am proactive with my assignments and studying. This semester, I have created a detailed assignment and exam schedule to help me complete assignments in a timely manner to improve the quality of my work and reduce stress.
2. Stressing Over Little Things
Some things are out of our control, so I am trying to stop stressing over little things. Worries tend to worsen my mood, and while I can’t prevent feeling worried all the time, I am going to put effort into remembering all the good in my life and spending time thinking about what is important.
3. Skipping Class
Skipping class can become tragic. Classes can be boring, repetitive or seemingly unimportant. It can be tempting not to attend class when you feel tired, dread the long walk or have access to all the class material on your computer. I promise skipping class is not worth it, as you can miss material, fall behind and feel confused and/or worsen your grades.
4. Being Late
Being on time is something I’ve always tried to do, but it can be hard as a college student when there is so much going on all the time. Making sure that I plan my days appropriately with a schedule has helped me get to classes, organizations and meetings in a timely manner.
5. Ignoring Your Mental Health
Spring semester can involve a greater number of classes or a more rigorous schedule. It is so important not to ignore your mental health when you’re busy with schoolwork and extracurriculars. Planning something to look forward to every week helps motivate me throughout the week. Taking brain breaks to walk, spend a few minutes on my phone or talk to friends helps me become more productive. Engage in self-care activities to help boost your mood, such as putting on a face mask, eating a healthy meal, exercising, getting good sleep or resting.
6. Early Morning Classes
I am scared of people who choose to take 8:00 AM courses. Let’s try to prioritize our sleep schedule this semester by scheduling classes after 10:00 AM. This gives you the morning to sleep a little later, take more time to get ready or complete assignments.
7. Online Shopping During Class
Paying attention in class can feel impossible, especially in multiple block classes. Especially when I have my computer, I can feel tempted to work on assignments from other classes, online shop or just stare at my screen. Staying on task will help improve your understanding of the course material, which can help improve your grades and lead to fewer questions.
I hope my spring semester ins and outs list can help you discover what you want to begin, accomplish or stop doing during the next few months. 2024 can be your best year yet!