The spring semester can often feel more overwhelming than the fall semester. You’re still exhausted from the fall semester, you have fewer breaks, and you’re probably frantically searching for a job or summer internship. It can feel really tempting to think you’re going to resolve your worries overnight with one big reset and a bunch of new habits, but we all know this is unrealistic. So, let’s shift the focus from one major lifestyle glow-up to several small habits that can make it easier for you to breathe and relax.
First, stop focusing on the pressure to have a productive day every day. Some days, getting one thing done is enough. For example, you finally knocked out that assignment that was due at midnight. We need to emphasize the importance of making progress, no matter how small, over having perfect days all the time.
On the topic of letting a little progress be enough, eat something, even if it’s not a full meal. If you’re too tired to cook something or go to the dining halls, rather than let yourself go without a meal, just try a small snack. Energy matters so much in college, and how can you expect to have energy if you don’t eat anything? Again, aim for progress over perfection. Crackers aren’t an ideal dinner, but they’re better than nothing.
Just like giving yourself grace with food, give yourself a break when it comes to your to-do list. Having a rigid, strict schedule can feel productive, but I’d actually recommend swapping the planner for a loose to-do list or a notes app brain dump. Just write everything down instead of carrying it mentally without making yourself color code.
And, finally, have one “non-negotiable” a day. For me, this is going on a walk. No matter how busy I am, I will always put aside at least 30 minutes to go walk outside. But this could look different for everyone. Maybe it’s going to bed early, or watching an episode of a show, or getting coffee. You need to preserve something that’s just for you, even on your busiest days.
It’s important to acknowledge that these habits won’t fix everything, but that’s okay. Small steps over time make large differences. It is also important to acknowledge that, just because life is hard to manage right now, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. You’re already doing better than you think.