A new semester has started, and the long break has undoubtedly made it harder to get back into the swing of studying.
Although beginning a new semester is something we wish didn’t come any sooner, learning to plan ahead with the right tools and support can help us feel less apprehensive about it!
So here are 5 ways you can prepare yourself for the coming semester:
- Setting reasonable goals
You promise yourself no fun and games, that you shall mug all semester to get a 5.0 and nothing less. But a few weeks in and you soon find yourself overworked, getting disappointed at yourself the moment you catch yourself “slacking”.
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, we’ve experienced it too.
We get so eager at the beginning of every year or semester, expecting ourselves to instantly transform into a whole other person the moment the clock strikes 12. However, in reality, change isn’t instantaneous. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean change is impossible.
I cannot recount the number of times I’ve set my new semester goals so high, only to have them come back to bite me. Ambition is a gift and a curse. We often focus so much on achieving the best that we forget that at the end of the day, the journey and small progresses matter more.
The guaranteed way to set yourself up for failure is setting unattainable goals. So this time, before jumping into your new semester goals, start small and work your way up!
- Planning a routine and get organised
Get yourself a journal or a planner and start planning a routine!
Having a place to write down and plan your day can help reinforce your goals. Creating a routine and writing down your to-do list will enable you to stay organised and clear-headed.
I find that physically writing down the things I need to do helps me mentally prepare myself, almost serving as a reassurance that I can get my life together.
Besides, it’s still not too late to find a journal or planner that suits your aesthetic! For minimalistic yet chic designs, check out The Paper Bunny, or if you are into unique and colourful floral designs, check out Rifle Paper Co.! Alternatively, for more affordable options you can check out places like Muji, Typo or even Shopee!
- Practise Daily Affirmations
As cliché or corny as they may seem, affirmations are more effective than you may think.
It has been scientifically proven that practising self affirmations can help improve mental health, decrease stress and even lead to better academic performances.
When practising positive affirmations, the reward centres and self-related processing areas of our brain are activated, which are known to decrease pain and maintain balance when experiencing stress. Thus over time, with repetition and neuroplasticity, your thoughts can actually build a more resilient brain.
Furthermore, research found that introducing future-oriented self-affirmations are more powerful. Incorporating a few positive future prospective affirmations into your daily routine this semester can serve to be a powerful tool to accomplishing your goals, and improving your mental strength.
Here are some affirmations you can include into your daily routine:
To kickstart your day:
I have all I need to make today a great day. I have within me to solve any challenges I face today for I am stronger than I was yesterday.
Today I will find goodness in all things. I will bask in positivity and deny negative thoughts. I am capable of amazing accomplishments and I am grateful for all I have achieved thus far.
I love who I see in the mirror.
To end the day:
I am growing and I am going at my own pace. What I have done today was the best I was able to do today. And for that, I am thankful.
I’m freeing myself from all destructive doubt and fear. I accept myself for who I am and create peace, power and confidence of mind and of heart.
I am grateful for my body, my body is relaxed. I look forward to tomorrow.
- Pause and reflect
We are always on the go. The neverending need to rush forward causes us to neglect the importance of reflection in making a change.
Taking time to pause and reflect on the past can help you work towards building a better version of yourself. Looking back on the habits you had last semester can help you identify the toxic or unhelpful mindsets you once held and subsequently change them for the better.
Now pause, and think about how you approached certain situations last semester.
How would you have done things differently?
- Helpful study tools
If you need an extra motivational or focus boost, here are some apps and platforms that can help!
A simple search on Youtube for study with me videos brings you to a multitude of videos that incorporate different study techniques such as 50/10 study sessions. These videos can help you pace your study sessions, and also serve as a “companionship” when studying.
If you need help with managing your time or staying focused, you can try downloading wellness apps. An app I found helpful is Tide. Tide has a multitude of features ranging from focus timers to ambient sounds and even mediation tools, to aid your study sessions and strengthen your mental wellness.
Before diving head-first into yet another stressful semester, it is important to remind yourself to take time off every now and then to check up on yourself! Furthermore, having a good support system can help a lot. So don’t be afraid to reach out to those you trust and love for support when needed.
Although university can be tiring, I like to remind myself that this is the last few years/months we get to call ourselves students, so try to enjoy it while it lasts! Be it finding a cute conducive cafe to study in, or simply enjoying the company of your friends disguised as a study date, let’s make the best of our “student privileges” while we still can!