Sadly Christmas break is over and deadlines are looming for most of us. Despite the promise of a fresh start and a ‘new you’ in the new year, you may be feeling a bit hopeless and lost in the face of stress and work. If so, don’t panic! Here are some fairly obvious and cliche ways that may actually help you kick start your way into the new term.
1) Make realistic resolutions!
To be honest, this is key. There may be resolutions or goals that you’ve had for years now but haven’t been able to achieve because, let’s face it, a no chocolate diet is rarely going to work. If this is the case, either make a completely new list of smaller, realistic goals that you know you can cope with, or set yourself monthly instead of yearly resolutions. Chunking things into smaller groups is bound to make things more manageable! It may be helpful to make two different lists: one for academic goals that will take you up to the summer break, and a list of personal resolutions such as greater positivity and plans for your summer adventures.
2) Change something about your university bedroom.
Change doesn’t have to be abstact and totally life-changing – little everyday things can help make you feel more optimistic. Put some new pictures up, hang some bunting, invest in new fairy lights. Move around the furniture – maybe have your bed next to the window so the sunlight wakes you up naturally in the morning – and buy a new duvet cover! Make your space somewhere personal and positive, somewhere you know you’re capable of working in for hours on end during exam season.
3) Invest in a daily planner/organiser.
For anyone who loves stationary a bit too much, buying a new planner for the year ahead is really fun (and slightly sad, I know, but Paperchase is heaven). It may seem pedantic, but planning out your day in terms of blocks or hours can really help boost productivity. Write out your study timetable for when you’ll be in university, and fit in library visits in between lectures and seminars etc. A spare hour here or there can make all the difference, leaving you more free time for in the evening. Plan tasks for these visits so you’re not wandering around the books aimlessly, and make sure you schedule in plenty of breaks to prevent strain and headaches. If you don’t like carrying around a physical planner, just use the calender on your phone!
4) Buy a new pair of trainers.
It’s something of a tradition to promise yourself that you’ll eat healthier and get fit this year, but most people forget that you don’t need a gym membership to do this. One of the hardest things about improving your fitness is staying motivated after realising how hard it is. You obviously also don’t need to kit yourself in expensive sportswear to do so, but a brand new pair of comfy trainers right for the activities you plan on doing can make a difference. Your feet and legs may not ache as much if they’ve been fully supported, so take advantage of the January sales and invest in a decent pair. Even if you stop working out after a month, you’ll still look hella fine.
5) Incorporate herbal tea in to your daily routine.
This may seem like a strange resolution, but it’s one I’ve found to be very beneficial. Being the poor, budgeting students we are, commiting to a full on ‘tea tox’ isn’t really an option. However, drinking a cup of herbal tea a day has all kind of health benefits and can even improve your mood. Try chamomile tea in the evenings for a better nights sleep, and decaf green tea at any time to purify your insides. The brand ‘Pukka’ offer a whole range of teas based on what you want to achieve for your body for around £2! Their own detox tea contains anniseed and fennel to aid digestion and clean your body. Herbal teas can also improve your skin, so it’s a win win really!
January can be really tough, but applying just a few simple steps towards self care can really help turn the month around. Go get ’em, tiger!