A new year means a fresh start. It is, unfortunately, very easy for college students to get caught up in everything going on while away at school and you may find yourself falling off the tracks a little bit. Maybe it is about time to step back and reevaluate your habits. Adopt these resolutions and you will be sure to have a great start to a great year.
1. Get more sleep.
Studies have shown that college students are one of the most sleep-deprived populations. Furthermore, sleep deprivation in students has been linked to lower GPAs because sleep affects concentration, memory, and the ability to learn. With lack of sleep, also comes more illnesses, such as colds and the flu, feeling more stressed out, increased weight gain, increased mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Your body deserves and needs sleep. Although it may be difficult for undergraduate and graduate students to maintain a regular sleep schedule due to an overload of activities it is possible. Try to limit your napping during the day so that you can get a full 7-8 hours at night to let your body restore energy, fight off illnesses and fatigue by strengthening your immune system. Sleep is vital in order for you to perform better during the day.
2. Dedicate more time to studying. / Get organized.
College students are very busy. From club meetings, to fun events on campus, and even sporting events like basketball and football games, one has many options for how to spend their time. However, what is the main reason we are at college again? To be social? No. We are here to get an education. This new year, make sure to dedicate more time to studying rather than socializing. Every class requires studying for two or three times the amount of time you spend in class. For example, for a three credit hour class, you should be scheduling six to nine hours of studying each week for that one class. It sounds like a lot, but it helps to plan out your studying by using a calendar, whether it be a written one or one you can use on your computer.
3. Eat healthier.
4. Do more physical activity.
Eating healthy may be a huge part of attaining a healthy lifestyle, but so is physical activity. The many benefits to being active include relieving stress, promoting regular sleeping patterns, and putting you in a better mood. Try walking to class more often, playing a club sport, or taking some group exercise classes at the gym on campus. You do not necessarily need to have an intense workout at the gym every day; however, making the effort to fit in a workout a few times a week is a great step toward getting healthy and fit this new year.
4. Get to know your professors more.
5. Get more involved on campus.
Take this year to finally join those clubs you have showed some interest in. Step out of your comfort zone to try new things and you might discover new passions and hobbies. Through getting involved you will get more connected to your school and find resources that will help you be successful this coming year and beyond. Through your involvement in clubs and organizations on campus, you will make new friends who have similar interests as you. These clubs can even help you figure out what major you would like to pursue and a career path. Being very involved within the campus community can build your resume as well. Future employers want to see that you were productive with your time and that you have held leadership positions in campus organizations, so they know how well you will work within their company.
6. Talk to your parents more while you are away.
Your parents miss you, okay? So quit giving them the cold shoulder while you are away at college living it up. Take a few minutes to call them and catch up. Yes, they can be annoying and pestering, but they are your number one fans and biggest supporters. It might even help to get a pep talk from them if you are having a hard time finding the motivation to study.
7. Do more community service.
