Everytime summer wraps up or Christmas break comes and goes and a new semester is upon us, it’s the easiest thing in the world to get wrapped up in all the lists and ‘to-do’s’ and stress the heck out. It’s human, and we all have a smidge of perfectionism and high expectations for ourselves in our blood even if we don’t want to admit it. This does have to be a breakout-inducing season, though! Coming from a pro, here are some quick and easy hacks to stay grounded and make that transition into your new groove easy-peasy!
Use a Planner
This is gonna be key. A place to keep your lists, calendar, assignments and due dates, work schedule, family and friend commitments, bill reminders, and whatever else life is currently throwing at you- you want it all in one place. More of a techy girl? Use google calendar, you can even color code events by their category and repeat things that happy every week. Diligently check off your lists and make sure you’re staying on top of your work, just buying a cute one doesn’t count- you have to use it!
Scout Your Classes
Even if you have to wait until the first day to access the syllabus for your classes, once you do, you usually are able to see all of the due dates and requirements for that class for the entire semester. Use that handy dandy planner you have and take 5 minutes to write down every single assignment and exam date- so that you’ll never be caught off guard! Knowing what’s coming takes the pressure off and you’ll be less likely to feel overwhelmed!
Routine
Things are changing, but keeping your normal routine the same will help you feel less discombobulated as you have so many new things going on. Your exercise, skin-care, eating, and self-care routines are all super important, so don’t let any of them slack just because you’re back to school- this could also be a good time to create those good habits if you haven’t already!
SLEEP
New experiences are tiring, and hitting the books, class, caf, and the gym all in one foul swoop takes a lot more energy than you think! Those late nights watching TV aren’t going to be as beneficial to you in the long run as some good shut eye, and sleep deprivation can set you up for a run down immune system, mood swings, over-eating, and a ton of other things you don’t need to be dealing with! Nap when you can too, if that’s your thing, and you’ll have plenty of brain power for when it really counts!
Give Yourself Grace
As the semester goes on, you may be one of those people who tend to beat themselves up if they don’t get an A on every test, go out with friends every time they ask, or get to the gym every morning. Let’s ditch that negativity and be kind to ourselves! You’ll feel so much better when you allow yourself to just do your best, rest when you need it, and take that time for yourself if you aren’t feeling a night out. You are your longest investment, so make sure that you’re allowing yourself to be human!
Have FUN
College flies by SO fast, and before you know it you’ll be walking across that stage and into a full blown adult life. Take advantage of the experiences, friends, and memories-waiting-to-happen and just roll with it! Don’t let the stress of buying a textbook or what you should wear to the meeting take away from that.
Let’s enjoy this fall weather, meet some new faces, and make this the best and most STRESS FREE semester yet!