August is here and a new semester of school is upon us. It’s time to prepare for a new schedule, new classes, new professors, and a slew of assignments and exams. This time of year is always very stressful, but on the plus side, the start of a new semester can be used as a fresh start. Try not to stress too much about what comes along with going back to school. Follow these tips and you will find that there are ways to keep your stress levels under control when starting a new semester!
Tip #1: Get organized.
Staying organized is crucial to surviving the semester! If you write down everything you have to do, everywhere you have to be, and specific times of due dates and events, it should be easy to stay on top of things. Whether it’s programmed into your phone, or scribbled into your Kate Spade planner, writing things down will keep you from forgetting about your commitments and assignments.
Tip #2: Get involved.
This sounds much more difficult than it really is. Every university has a pretty vast variety of clubs and organizations that you can join! Getting involved is key to meeting new people, exploring your passions, and in most cases, helping others. Join a sorority, volunteer at the local animal shelter, write for the school paper or Her Campus GCSU, attend a club meeting related to your major… the possibilities are truly endless.
Tip #3: Exercise.
Okay, hear me out. I realize how hard it is to balance schoolwork, involvement, meetings and sleep, but exercising is very important – not only for your body, but for your mind. Because exercising releases so many endorphins, it can relieve a lot of the stress and pressure that results from a busy semester. It can only take about 30 minutes of your day, and trust me, you will notice a difference in the way you feel.
Tip #4: Get enough sleep.
Although endless assignments and study sessions often intrude on our sleeping schedules, it’s important to try and get enough sleep before a long day of classes and activities. Try to get your work done earlier in the day and go to bed earlier instead of staying up all night binge-watching Netflix. You will feel so much better when you wake up in the morning!
Tip #5: Take time for yourself.
Getting enough sleep can also fall under this category. No matter how many commitments you have, it’s crucial to set aside a day or a few hours of your week to pamper yourself. Bake some cookies, eat your favorite meal, get a pedicure, watch a movie – do whatever makes you feel relaxed. If you never reward yourself for all of your hard work, then what are you even doing it for?