It is so hard to not live for the weekends, I get it. You would rather be relaxing than studying. Totally understandable. The little things are what help us get by. Hopefully, these little things will help you get excited for the week!
1. Warm up
Think back to Elementary School. Remember when we had morning work? There was a reason why we had it. It was to warm us up for the day. So now, we just wake up and go to our first class, with no actual preparation. Create a morning routine that involves more than putting pants on, and eating breakfast. This may require you to wake up earlier, but I promise you that this will make you feel more energized for the day. This blog has worksheets using the "power hour method," check it out here.
2. Designate a "break"
Every day, cut out 30 minutes to an hour for yourself. I don't mean take a nap, but something that will charge you up a little more. When we think of mindfulness, it means to focus on one thing. Write in your diary, listen to music, or go for a drive.
3. Do something nice for a friend and/or roommate
Before you go to class, leave your roommate a nice note on her desk. Treat your friend to ice cream if you notice they are stressed, and offer to drive them.
4. Find the coolest place on campus for studying
Because why would you want to sit in a dusty library? That won't make you excited to study, it may even worsen your attitude. Also, if you have cool place to study, it will look good for instagram.
5. Join a club that would be beneficial to YOU
Don't just sign up for a club because it's popular, or ran by your best friend. You can be in that club too, but also find one for yourself. Maybe involving your favorite sport, peer support, or self awareness. All of which I highly recommend.
6. Attend a yoga class
Yoga involves in a lot of mindfulness. You will also get your exercise in for the day. You may or may not be sore, but it won't kill you like pilates or zumba.
7. Make your favorite drink
If you have a smoothie you really like, make it for your 8am class to make your morning more cheerful. Or if you're in for the night, feel free to give yourself a little pick me up with a sangria.
8. Stock up on your favorite self-care items
Don't just save them for a rainy day. Use them on a regular basis if it brightens your day a little. I'm not saying to buy 20 Lush Bath bombs, we are broke college students. BUT you could make your own, or get cheaper bath bombs at Target. Get a bag of individually wrapped chocolate. I suggest Dove, mainly because they have the inspiring messages in the wrapper. For suggestions on self-care items, click here.
9. Make a Tumblr
I've had my Tumblr account since my Sophomore year of high school, and I'm glad I kept it. Fill your blog with pictures that make you happy, make it YOU. Because you are beautiful and deserve to be happy.
10. Pick one night to go out
If there's a concert selling cheap tickets, GO! How often do you get to see that band? Live a little! One night won't hurt as long as you plan ahead!
11. Pick one night to cook your favorite meal
I love the nights where I stay in to cook with my roommates. We get to sit at a table like a regular family.
12. Make a schedule of when your favorite TV shows are on
Fixer Upper on Tuesday nights at 9, and Property Brothers on Wednesdays at 9! If you put that into your schedule along with everything else you have to do, you will have something to look forward to.
13. Go to bed early when you can
You'll feel much more awake in the morning. I'm not saying to go to bed at 8pm every single night. Try to shoot for 10 or 11pm. That should give you at least 7 hours of sleep.
14. Sign up for one class that you need, not what your major needs.
While we are in college, we need to take care of ourselves. This semester, I signed up for Ballet strictly for mental health reasons. I'm so glad I did because it gives me time for mindfulness. When I am in class, I am in the moment.
I don't want to sound cheesy, but we should all live for the moment. Carpe Diem. What good is life if we are always waiting for the weekend?
