For many college students, syllabus week has come and gone. You have gone through the typical process of reviewing the syllabus, purchasing your materials, and introducing yourself to your classmates. Some of you may not have even had a syllabus week. You may have been expected to have the syllabus memorized coming into class on the first day. Either way, it is now time to get down to business. Life is about to become incredibly stressful and hectic. With so many assignments and deadlines, it can be difficult to not feel overwhelmed. And while school is definitely important, your own well being should be your number one priority. Here are some basic (but often disregarded) tips to take care of yourself this school year:
1. Organization is key
If you have a planner, use it religiously. If not, invest in one. Seriously. There is nothing like remembering an assignment less than an hour before it is due. That being said, you must have a way to prioritize events and keep track of deadlines. Having a calendar or planner of some sort is crucial to success in college. Also most of you have smart-phones with a bulit in calender and reminder feature, so why not use it because you are always on your phone anyways.
2. Get enough sleep
I know, you've heard it a million times. You've heard it so many times that you're tired of hearing it. Speaking of being tired, did you know that getting 8-9 hours of sleep is imperative to cognitive function? From a biological and psychological standpoint, the brain needs a sufficient amount of sleep in order to effectively process and store information. So what's the point of pulling an all-nighter to cram for a test if your brain won't be able to find any of that information in the morning. I understand that going to class all day and studying (or partying) all night seems to leave little time for sleep. But getting a good night's rest will make you feel better physically and perform better mentally.
3. Eat healthy
The Freshman 15 is not a myth. In college, it is cheap and easy to grab a bag of chips or a slice of pizza when you're hungry. However, you need to fuel your body with foods of nutritional value. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will allow your body and mind to function at peak performance level. You do not have to sacrifice junk food completely. You just have to make an effort to maintain a healthy diet. Choose a salad for lunch instead of a hamburger. Choose an apple with peanut butter for a snack instead of a package of Oreos. And as impossible as it sounds, minimize your caffeine intake. Even if that means ordering a Tall at Starbucks instead of a Venti.
4. Exercise
This goes hand in hand with #3. Exercise is crucial to both your physical and mental health. We all need exercise in order for our bodies to operate smoothly. But exercise is also one of many ways to boost your mental health. When you exercise, neurotransmitters called endorphins are released in your brain. These chemicals are responsible for positive emotions. This is where the term "runner's high" comes from. Taking the time to exercise can relieve stress and reduce negative emotions. If you are not insanely athletic, don't think that you have to start benching 300 pounds or running 10 miles at a 6-minute mile pace. Exercise can be as simple as doing yoga each morning and night or going on a 15 minute walk after each hour spent studying.
5. Have fun, but not too much fun
One of the first things you learn in biology is that a state of balance must occur for life to exist. The same goes for college. Balance is important. You shouldn't spend every waking moment studying and reading textbooks. This will inevitably lead to excess stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Similarly, you shouldn't attend parties every night. You can't possibly function well in school if you find yourself hungover with a brain soaked in booze every morning. Especially if you partake in underage drinking. Not only is it illegal, but it impairs the growth of your brain during an important developmental phase. Make a commitment to your academic life as well as your social life. But remember to maintain balance within these two aspects.
6. Join a club
Find your people. Clubs are a great way to meet and connect with people that share common interests. Many colleges offer a wide variety of clubs and social groups. It doesn't have to be a sorority/fraternity either. Simply finding a club that interests you is enough. And if you can't find a club that suits your interests, start your own. The possibilities are endless when it comes to interacting with your peers. You'll be surprised at how many new friends you can make.
7. Find a class that you love
As a freshman, the majority of my classes are general education classes. That doesn't mean that I have to suffer through them. Neither do you. I know that English-101 or Applied Calculus isn't everyone's cup of tea. But most colleges offer a broad range of topics to study. Choose something that interests you and find a relevant class to put in your schedule. Work hard in all of your classes, but dedicate extra time to one that you actually enjoy. Who knows?... Maybe you'll end up finding your true passion in life.
8. Take time to breathe and relax
As humans, we can only juggle so much. Juggling too much will leave you feeling run-down and exhausted. With homework, sports, clubs, and relationships, many people do not leave any time for themselves. This is a major set-up for disaster. You need to remember to take care of yourself. Don't give up old hobbies and interests for the sake of studying a little longer. Everyone needs an outlet, something that makes them feel happy and at ease. Having an outlet is so important during this period of high stress levels. Running, drawing, writing (not essays), and meditation are just a few examples of ways to take a break and improve your mental help.
9. Don't be afraid to ask for help
As an introvert, asking for help has always been a scary idea. I prefer to do things independently, even if I have no idea what I'm doing. I, like the majority of students, hate the feeling of looking stupid in front of other classmates. But remember that everyone does something stupid at one point or another. We are all stupid at times, but these times do not define us. Even the smartest individuals need help sometime. If you don't understand an assignment, ask a professor. If you want a second opinion about an essay you wrote, ask a classmate to proofread it. If you feel lonely, upset, or homesick, give your family and friends a call. You will only benefit from trying to receive the assistance that you need.
10. Embrace the change
The only constant in life is change. College is such an important time in your life. These are the years that help you figure out who you are while also paving the road to who you are going to be. Enjoy them. Don't worry if you change your major five times before deciding what you truly want to do with yourself. Allow yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Do whatever it takes to create the best possible version of yourself that you can.
