I don't know about you, but by the time the end of winter break rolls around, I am more than ready to head back to school. Internships and seasonal jobs are wrapping up, you've had just about enough of living under your parents roof (or you could've cracked already), and you're dying to see your friends and get your sense of freedom back. But remember, coming back to school means starting a whole new set of classes, and it's time to put that good work ethic back into gear. And yet, it is also another opportunity to try new activities, get involved in something you never thought you would and continue to shape yourself into the person you want to be.
I've found that towards the beginning of every semester, I find myself setting a goal for the upcoming semester. It's not a goal that i'll necessarily write on a sticky note and post everywhere every single day, but it's always in the back of my mind as the weeks, months and exam dates pass. For example, my goal this semester is to get into nursing school. Another example could be finding a job that you really like or saving up enough money to go on a little vacation. Really it could be anything, related or unrelated to school. The point is to have an idea to motivate you. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you have a driving force behind you. Set several small goals, and set one, large, almost impossibly attainable goal. Find a way to motivate yourself to that goal this semester; it will bring you nothing but success.
If there is one thing I personally need to focus more on this semester, it's myself. Simply taking time for myself out of every day to do something I want (which will nine times out of 10 be watching an episode of the office). It sounds so incredibly cheesy, but I can't stress enough how important it is to pay attention to yourself, both your mental and physical health, throughout the semester. When you're stressed, find a way to destress. It's as simple as that. Buy a lavender scented candle, and start to meditate. Buy one of those sleeping masks, lay down for five minutes, and try to cancel out the hectic world around you. Stress will eat your mind and body alive; it's crucial to find ways to combat it. You'll feel more at peace when you eliminate stress from your life, and a relaxed mind and body leads to success in all aspects of life. Focus on yourself more this semester because you're 100 percent worth it.
Speaking of starting off on a good note, try to brighten someone's day. Pick up someone's pencil for them, buy your friend their favorite candy just because, text a friend who you haven't spoken to since last year. All acts guaranteed to make someone, not to mention yourself, feel a little bit better. Just today, I got a text from my freshman year roommate, and it made my day! Spread joy, spread love and spread happiness this semester –– you good person you!
Lastly, if I were to give one more piece of advice as to how to start the semester off the right way this year, it is to find one thing that brings you unconditional joy. It could be a person, maybe a significant other or a best friend who you can share stories with. Go buy a fish if that makes you happy (I did it!). Find a new TV show to binge watch (The Office, obviously). Heck, if you really love to paint your nails or you really love to play Black Ops, then do that. Because what is life without happiness? It's down right awful, and it's not a life I want to have! Take the time to be happy this semester, because life is too short and too beautiful to waste.
I hope you find some happiness in this article and that it can brighten your day! Best of luck in the new semester!
