It’s easy to make a lot of promises to yourself at the beginning of the year. Resolutions are always a good idea, but they’re so much better when you actually follow through with them. You are in charge of your life and the decisions you make, during and after your time at SU. It’s important that you form good and healthy habits to ensure your wellbeing. That can seem kind of scary, but it’s easier than you think! Remember that above all, the decisions you make should make you happy. These are some steps you can take to make your life a bit easier, which will make you happier.
1. Not all study habits will work for you. Some people like some background noise when they study, some people like complete silence. Find what works for you and use it.
2. Establish a routine as quickly as you can. Waking up around the same time everyday will help you be more efficient throughout your day. Starting (and finishing) your homework relatively quickly after it’s assigned will help keep your stress levels down. And the sooner you fall into that habit, the easier it will be!
3. Hold yourself accountable. Don’t blame your teacher for you failing your test when you know you didn’t study as much as you should have. Don’t blame your friends for you spending all your money. You are responsible for your actions and the consequences, good or bad, that may follow.
4. It only takes 21 days to form a habit! So do it. Start working out, start drinking more water, start writing in a journal everyday. Take steps to improve your life.
5. It only takes 21 days to form a habit. Partying is a fun and normal part of college, but do it safely. Go with people you trust and stay with them. Know the legal limits, and know your own limits, as well what overdosing can do to your body.
6. Take care of your body. You need food, water, and sleep―this is non-negotiable, and also the bare minimum. Don’t let your busy schedule stop you from eating. Get a reusable water bottle and keep it in your backpack/bag, keep healthy snacks in your room, and go to bed at a reasonable time. Remember to hold yourself accountable. Don’t procrastinate your homework, then you won’t have to stay up late to finish it. Turn off your laptop and put your phone down at a reasonable time.
7. Buy a planner. Keep a list of your priorities: your homework, your projects, your work schedule. Keep a list of fun activities you’d like to do after your priorities have been taken care of. Color code it. It’s easy to feel like you’re not being productive if you’re spending all day working on one essay, but knowing what you need to get done today and being able to cross it off your list will not only help you feel more productive, but will also show you exactly what you’ve accomplished.
Balancing classes and work and a social life can be overwhelming, but you can make it so much easier on yourself. Think and act responsibly. Remember you’re in college. You chose to be here. Now isn’t the time to slack off or procrastinate. This is it. It’s time for you to shine as a happy, healthy, independent human!