Syllabus week is alas but a memory (or not) and the reality of the semester has taken hold. The excitement of reuniting with friends is unfortunately replaced with stress, anxiety and impending deadlines. Whether your semester is filled with socials and tailgates or study sessions and all-nighters, it is important to remember to take care of yourself before you take care of anything else.
1. Drink water.
It may seem like common sense, but it is easy to neglect water intake when we are downing coffee after coffee. Caffeine, as much as it fuels us, can be dehydrating- so can alcohol. Tailgate season is approaching as well as flu season, which means risk for dehydration in the heat and an abundance of germs. Water will flush out the toxins, so remember to fit in six to eight glasses a day! Your health will thank you.
2. Create an organizational system.
Don't miss another meeting or deadline again- create some sort of organization system that works for you and your lifestyle. Record all of your assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities all in one place. Take advantage of planners, calendars, phone reminders, the list goes on. Having requirements written down will allow you to look ahead at future deadlines and save you the headaches and stress of forgetting.
3. Set aside "me" time.
Between classes, clubs, jobs and a social life, we often forget to spend some time with just our thoughts. Engage in something stress-relieving that brings you joy- meditate, paint, journal- anything that lets your mind wander and unwind.
4. Find something you love, do something new.
Is there something you have always wanted to try, but never did? Go for it. Something you once loved, but lost time for in the hustle and bustle of the semester? Make time for it. Engaging in something that makes you happy is one of the best ways to take care of yourself, it is an escape from the stress of school. Join a club, get involved, do something that makes you smile.
College can be crazy, but don't forget to keep yourself happy and healthy this semester.
