College is a time of adjustment. After going through a semester, I can honestly say you learn a lot about yourself and the responsibility that comes along with being an independent adult. It's important to take good care of yourself in order to maintain a healthy life, as well as remain focused on your number one priority: your education. It's also important you don't only study. Get out, meet new people, and have some fun! Just continue to be aware of the expectations you set! Remain true to yourself and strive for success.
1. Set goals for yourself.
Keep a journal or make notes of the goals you set for yourself for the semester. At times, it can be difficult to find motivation to keep studying hard and keep up with all the school work. College really is exhausting, and it is important you keep in mind the expectations you have for yourself in order to grow as a person and as a student.
2. Become a part of something bigger than yourself.
Join a club, intramural sport, or Greek life! There are so many awesome opportunities to become involved! I know it can be intimidating, but it will look great on your resume, and will make campus feel even smaller! You get to meet so many great people and be a part of something even bigger than yourself and your studies! It’s always a nice break from studying and can relieve a lot of the stress we endure!
3. Stay organized.
College is VERY different from high school. Sometimes you have weird time gaps in between classes, a lot of work to do in advance, exams coming up, and other activities that may get super overwhelming. Take a moment to BREATHE! Everything will be ok. Plan ahead for upcoming assignments, exams, or important events. Keep a calendar next to your desk and continue to update it! Make a checklist of the work you need to do, and keep up with it by using a planner!
4. Live in the present and let go of your past.
We must come to accept that the past is behind us. If we are too busy stuck in the past, we are unable to move on and thrive in the present. Whether it is a heartbreak, bad exam, or just a bad day, we must learn to move on and push ourselves to become better the second time around. Life is a beautiful thing, and no one should have to miss out on all the great things it has to offer if they are too consumed in their past.
5. Find something you are passionate about as your hobby.
When you choose something you are passionate about, choose it with all your heart. As cliché as it sounds, a hobby is something that should be enjoyable for you, not a competition, or something you are forced to do. Some good hobbies can be; drawing, writing, yoga, cooking, sports, dance, etc. You should be able to find time for yourself within all the chaos. Enjoy the various things your campus has to offer.
6. Eat right.
Eating right in college can be extremely difficult. The food in the dining courts aren’t always the freshest, or of best quality; however, it is doable to still eat a healthy balanced diet. Fill your plate up at the dining courts with majority of vegetables, protein, and fruit. There is almost always the option of a salad bar as well! If you’re anything like me, hit the salad bar first! I even choose to bring a healthier salad dressing to make my meal more enjoyable. There are tons of different options to choose from at the dining courts and it can be easy to choose the fried greasy food or sweets; but, keep in mind: we only get one body all our life, so it is important we take good care of it and nourish it with healthy foods.
7. Hit the gym.
After a long day of classes, it can be extremely difficult to find the motivation to head to the gym… But don’t be lazy! Exercise is good for not only your body, but your mental health! It gets the blood flowing and studies have shown it to alleviate anxiety and stress. College gyms are usually beautiful and there are so many different machines or classes to choose from! Look into the group fitness classes, personal training, or any new fitness programs, that can keep you motivated and make exercising more enjoyable!
8. Practice gratitude.
I never truly understood the real meaning behind practicing gratitude until I began yoga. I gained a better appreciation of what it means to be grateful and how to express it. Go out of your way to tell someone how much they mean to you, what you are most thankful for, and to not take any of the opportunities you are given for granted. Gratitude makes you realize what you have and can lessen the need for more. Practicing gratitude has been shown to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, make us happier, as well as more accepting.
9. Give time to yourself.
Sometimes you need to just have time to yourself. Living with someone 24-7 can be extremely exhausting and overwhelming at some times, so it's important you reflect on your day and give yourself some alone time. Take a walk and get some fresh air, hang out at a nearby coffee shop, or just find a place on your own to just relax after a long day.
10. Be open to new opportunities and relationships that come your way.
Say hello to someone in your class, get to know other people, and don’t be shy! This is a new time for everyone! Others are always looking to meet someone just like them. Venture out of your comfort zone and try to form new everlasting relationships.
11. Continue to communicate with your loved ones; such as, the support from family members or friends.
Your family loves you and will most likely always support you. I know you may think you are too busy to continue to stay in touch with your family or give your mom a call; but it is important you make the time. There are 24 hours in a day so there shouldn’t always be excuses. They always want to hear from you and about all the amazing things you’re accomplishing! They have always been there for you and always will be.
