During the school year, most of us have a habit of putting school before taking care of ourselves. Not everyone can be the person who wakes up at five in the morning or does an extreme meal plan. Here are 5 tips on how to better yourself and still focus on school.
1. Join a club or organization, or get an on-campus Job
A simple way to stay dedicated to school and still do something that feels fulfilling and fun is to join a club. Many clubs, organizations, and jobs can be added to your resume, and it’s a great way to make friends or focus on something other than classwork. You can find a lot of clubs that are specific to a major or a hobby. Campus jobs also help if you need some money. They often are closed on school holidays and they understand that school comes first. So, you can save money and make some connections while you’re at it.
2. Schedule some “you time”
Sometimes it may seem impossible to make time for yourself to relax between studying, going to class, or participating in after-school activities. Try to set a day aside at least every two weeks to decompress and step away from school. If a whole day isn’t manageable, try to set an hour timer once a day and use that time to do something that makes you happy. Some examples may be yoga, meditation, painting, or even just watching an episode of a show you enjoy.
3. Study dates
Planning a study date with friends can be a great way to get work done and still have a good time. Oftentimes, during a study date, you’ll find yourself taking short breaks to talk to your friends. It also doesn’t hurt to plan to get ice cream or food after. Study dates are also a great time to do something other than a school task you’ve been meaning to do; write an email, apply for graduate school, or even plan your lunches for the week.
4. Pack lunch!
This one may seem obvious, but to be our best selves and feel energized, we have to fuel our bodies. I think it’s easy to get swept up in day-to-day tasks, but it’s important to bring a small lunch or snacks to enjoy between classes. Trust me, you can tell the difference.
5. Remind yourself why you’re in college
College can be stressful and all-consuming. It can be difficult to try to become better as an individual. I think a lot of us forget that being in college is a self-betterment. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you forget to pack lunch one day or take a few semesters before joining any clubs. Be kind to yourself and know that being in college alone is already an accomplishment.
While being in college is challenging enough, dealing with classes and extracurriculars, it is nice to take time for yourself, self-care, or work on things you’ve been procrastinating.