5 Ways To Be Your Best Self As You Head To School This Fall
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Health and Wellness

5 Ways To Be Your Best Self As You Head To School This Fall

Prioritize yourself and everything will fall into place.

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5 Ways To Be Your Best Self As You Head To School This Fall
Photo by Ryan Jacobson on Unsplash

The beginnings of school years always bring about mixed feelings for me: there's excitement knowing that I will have a more defined schedule but also nervousness about the difficulty of new material and subjects. At times, I can also be afraid of how I'll feel mentally and physically during the semester because, in the past, I've neglected my own well-being for the sake of getting more done. I've felt all-too-often that I needed to do more and be more.

If that's how you feel, I hope you find the suggestions below helpful. Using these strategies over the past few years has given me a healthier outlook on my education and allowed me to feel more in control of my own health.

Remember, always be your own best friend.

1. Identify the things you need to feel alive and well. 

We all have personal practices, hobbies, bedtimes, workout regimes, etc. that we adhere to because they keep us feeling like ourselves. Whatever those things are, identify them and keep them in at the front of your mind - especially when the semester gets rough. Write them down on post-its to put on things you often see/use (above light switches, on desks and laptops, etc.) so that the necessity of these practices are ingrained in you and you remember to do them.

Remember, school or work shouldn't mean forgetting who you are.

2. Focus on aspects you like about school.

You may not like everything about school and that's absolutely normal. Honestly, when do we ever like everything about anything? Instead of focusing your energy on what you don't like, channel it towards what you do like. I appreciate being able to have a more defined schedule because it helps me feel more in charge and it's easier to manage time as a whole.

3. Find your 'why'.

Countless self-help resources will tell you that a key component to continued happiness is having personal purpose. In other words, it answers the questions of 'Why do you like doing what you do?' and 'How does your work make you feel fulfilled?' If you happen to be studying a subject that isn't your top choice, focus on the part of the subject material that interests you. If nothing does, build time in your schedule - just 10-30 minutes a day is enough - to learn about what does interest you. Also, try to remember that what you're studying may very well give you the means to do what you love in the future.

4. Set some form of a schedule. 

Not everyone needs by-the-minute schedules, so don't pressure yourself into thinking that you do or that that's the only way to manage time. Instead, have a general idea of when certain things need to get done so you can easily compartmentalize your tasks. For example, chores like laundry or the dishes will be saved for the evening while the biggest academic tasks of the day will be tackled in the morning.

5. Know - then respect - your limits.

We all have social, physical, mental, and emotional boundaries - know them and respect them. In doing so, you'll be investing in yourself and setting yourself up for success in the long run because you'll be happy and whole - necessities to being driven and productive.

Progress is rarely a straight line; there are always hills and valleys. So when you have trouble implementing any of the above, think about how you would encourage and want a friend to follow these healthy practices no matter what. If that's the case, you're no different. Don't sell yourself short on your own love and don't underestimate your strength.

And, remember: there will never be anything that comes in your path that you cannot handle.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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