It’s finally August, which means school is right around the corner. Summer is coming to an end and the unfortunate 8 a.m. wake-up calls are upon us. Whether you’re in middle school, high school, or college, school never seems to get easier as the years fly by. Here are a few promises to make yourself before you have a complete meltdown.
1. I Promise To Make Time For Myself.
Going back to school is great! It’s a chance to be around your friends all day again. Although its actual purpose to learn, we all know the only reason we like school is because of the people who make it bearable. That being said, don’t forget that you need alone time, too. It’s okay if you stay in on the weekend to catch up on your favorite Netflix show (OITNB) or maybe you’re really tired from the crazy week you just had. Remember: It’s okay to want to be alone.
2. I Promise To Procrastinate Less.
Who doesn’t procrastinate? With extracurriculars, it becomes more difficult to manage your time, and sometimes school work gets pushed to the bottom of the "to-do" list. Schedule times you want to work on a huge project and dedicate an hour to it every day until it’s due. This way, you can make time for your school work without sacrificing all your extracurriculars.
3. I Promise To Go To Bed At A Reasonable Time.
This one might be a little too far-fetched, but why not try? Set a time you’d like to be in bed by, like midnight. It’s crucial to get sleep before a big day of classes. Staying up and studying until 5 a.m. will only drain you mentally and physically. This promise goes hand-in-hand with the promise to procrastinate less. If you study for an exam two weeks prior, then there wouldn’t be a need to cram all the information in the night before.
4. I Promise To Care Less About What Others Think Of Me.
So what if I want to wear grey sweatpants and an oversized T-shirt to class? Spend less time worrying about what everyone else thinks of you and spend more time thinking about what you think of you. If you want to be comfortable during class, do it! Why should you care if the person next to you says you look like you had a rough night; they’re just regretting that didn't wear their sweats to Spanish 1102.
5. I Promise To Surround Myself With Good People.
School takes up most of your day, in fact, most of your year. Why surround yourself with people who aren’t good for you? Stick to people who encourage, listen, and support you! You owe it to yourself to have friends (and family) that genuinely care about you.
6. I Promise To Laugh More.
It’s without a doubt that school is stressful: finals, essays, and drama, oh my! Sometimes you forget this is supposed to be the most carefree time of your life! Yes, responsibility is a very important factor while growing up, but don’t forget to be silly and laugh along the way. Allow yourself to enjoy life with ease and get loose.
7. I Promise To Be Less Judgmental.
It’s a cruel, cruel, world. We all hate being put under a spotlight that picks out our flaws, so why do it to others? I get it, sometimes it happens and you don’t even think about it. But this year, lets promise to be more accepting of others.
8. I Promise To Do Things Outside My Comfort Zone.
Want to try out for the cheer team? Join the school newspaper? Do it! Nothing great has ever happened inside of your comfort zone. Do something you normally wouldn’t do and you might end up really loving it! If you don’t, then at least you know you tried and it wasn’t for you.
9. I Promise To Stop Centering My Time Around My Significant Other.
This also goes for anyone you have a crush on. Yes, it’s exciting being with someone who feels the same for you and likes the things you like, but it doesn’t mean your schedule has to revolve around them. Though they are a crucial part of your life, they should not be your entire life. Boy/girl drama isn’t worth the stress, especially if they can’t appreciate you and your time—kick’em to the curb!
10. I Promise To Accept Myself.
In a society where being a “regular” person isn’t enough, it’s easy to fall into a pit. Nowadays, low-self esteem is at an all-time high. Loving yourself and accepting who you are isn’t something that happens overnight. Do things you love, surround yourself with good people, and enjoying the curves life throws at you!
