Written By: Mina Del Pilar
The start of a new semester can be tough for a lot of people. Getting adjusted to new classes, friends, and schedules is a great undertaking. It takes time for people to find their flow again. Here are 5 essential things to do this semester to maximize your success!
- Be sure to get lots of sleep!
It’s easy to overlook sleep in the life of a college student. Sometimes your essay is due at midnight, you just can’t sleep due to noise, or other issues that keep you awake at night. But as time goes on, the lack of sleep gets to our brains and prevents us from reaching our full potential when it matters most. Paired with effective planning of work times, a great amount of sleep each night can determine whether you ace that exam or not. To block out noise, a good pair of headphones can help greatly. Listening to ASMR or soothing white noise, water sounds and more, has helped as a sleep aid. There are wireless earbuds at the campus bookstore that are only $25 if you need a good pair to use while charging your phone!
- Take breaks in between studying/work.
We all have lots to do during the week, but it’s also essential to balance out all that effort. Take some time to do hobbies or things that YOU find fascinating and love to do. When someone does something for a long period, it can be easy to lose interest. By refreshing your mind with something genuinely meaningful to you, it helps renew your mental stamina so you can study effectively.
3. Stay social with friends, and attend university events!
In our community, there are lots of people who care about you, and want to spend time with you! Hang out with a friend when you can, study together, or just enjoy each other’s company! We are a social species, so we thrive best when we are around others. In new classes, more often than not, people might not be familiar with their peers, especially if there are various majors together. Be bold, and start conversations with someone you don’t know. You might just make their day, and walk out of lecture with a new friend! Several university clubs also hold events that aim to connect our community to foster friendships and healthy interaction. You never know who you’ll meet at events or your classes!
4. Practice Mindfulness and care for your Mental Health.
Mental Health is a key part of success. Ensuring you feel well inside, is something that will excel you to the next level of productivity and self-happiness. If things are going a little rough, take some time to meditate, breathe, and remind yourself that you will be ok. If there are a lot of pressing issues on your mind that prevent you from doing your best, talk to someone about those feelings, so they don’t weigh on you. Chatting with a loved one, friend, or a trusted person in your life is a great option. But if you need professional support, resources like the Counseling and Wellness Center or Timely Care are available to all students. Journaling is another great way to express your feelings. Everyone has a place in our community, and that means support is always there, even when you least expect it. Know that you are not alone in your struggles. ❤
5. Treat yourself now and then!
One doesn’t have to spend a lot of money or time to treat oneself. Think of doing this more as a reward for yourself, to remind yourself that you are doing a lot. As such you should equally treat yourself for the work that you put into your efforts. Order food now and again, or get yourself that Amazon present you’ve been wanting if you can do so. You’ve earned it.
By practicing these 5 healthy habits with consistency and effort, there is no doubt that your semester will be a great one! Stay warm and safe this semester Saints!
The Belltower 