The end of September is nearing, and I can feel the anticipation of classes beginning. I’ve purchased my nine textbooks, cleaned my sheets with my favorite Spring Meadow detergent, and organized my desk so that I will have more room for my never-ending collection of Spanish flashcards and empty chai latte cups (can you say “caffeine dependency”?). I’ve come a long way since my freshman year, and although I am far from knowing all the secrets to a Seattle U undergraduates’ success and happiness, I want to share 10 quick tips that helped me survive and thrive through my first two quarters of college.
1. Hold Yourself Accountable to Your Calendar
One of the most effective ways I have prevented and managed stress this year is by maintaining a one-of-kind friendship with my planner. I make it part of my Sunday night routine to block out sections of each day of the following week for classes, studying, exercise, friends, and self-care time. By physically jotting down each and every thing you want to accomplish, you are setting your intentions. This makes a huge positive impact in actually accomplishing your goals, because you are holding yourself accountable. It is a given that you would block out time to study for your math final, but this method is especially helpful because it makes it easier to take time for yourself in your busy schedule.
2. Make Study Breaks Your B*tch
I am the first person to admit that I have fallen into the evil clutches of the dreaded time-sucking, productivity-wasting social media marathon that I dare call a study break. After wasting hours on Instagram instead of writing a term paper, I decided that I either needed to use social media responsibly during my study hours or ditch it completely. So, if you, too, are susceptible to social media overload during your study sessions, I give to you this simple piece of advice. Set a timer for 5-10 mins to scroll to your heart’s desire and then cut yourself off! Then, depending on how long you allow yourself to take a break, move on to another activity that will maximize the relaxing and recharging nature a study break should have. Other activities include but are not limited to dancing around your dorm room, calling your best friend from home, walking a loop around campus, hugging your roommate, filling up your water bottle, eating a snack (or two or three or four), etc. And if you really can’t lose the itch to scroll through pictures, choose your camera roll instead of instagram. This way, you still get to enjoy the memories but minus the never-ending feed.
3. Managing Technology and Distractions
I have definitely fallen victim more than once to sitting at my desk, starting to write a paper, and absentmindedly pulling out my phone. It’s right there, it’s way more interesting than writing about the Greek philosophers, and of course I want to see my best friend’s baby niece! But no, school has to come first. A simple way to battle the urge to whip out your phone and be distracted by technology is to put it on Do Not Disturb, and then plug it in somewhere far away from you. You won’t hear it buzz if anyone texts you and you won’t have the temptation within your line of vision!
4. Embrace New Friendships
I’m sure everyone remembers the first week of freshman fall quarter as one of the friendliest times of the year — everyone was new, nervous and ready to make friends. Sometimes I trick myself into believing that because it’s already April, no one is looking for friends anymore. I could not be more wrong. Even though people might not be quite as obvious about making new friends as they were at the beginning of the year, that doesn’t mean that that people are closed off. So, introduce yourself to that cool Barista at the Bistro, strike up a conversation with that girl you always see on the 6th floor of the Library or wave hello to the kid you run next to on the treadmills. New friendships are waiting to be made every day.
5. Journal Your Heart Out!
Before college, the idea of keeping a journal seemed daunting. However, it has turned out to be one of the most impactful aspects of my college career so far, in terms of personal growth and reflection. If you are just as overwhelmed by the idea of a blank page as me, then I recommend by starting simple. Date your page and jot down a list (either bulleted or numbered) of moments, memories and quotes you want to remember. Journaling has helped me practice gratitude and live in the moment, which I find extremely important considering the busy and fast-paced nature of college.
6. Love Your Lists!
During breakfast each morning, I make a quick list of what I want to accomplish that day! I don’t allow myself to add things to the list that need to be accomplished 3 days from now— only the most imminent tasks. I keep my long term schedule and tasks in my planner, but my daily list is just that–daily. It keeps my stress to a minimum, and motivates me to check each thing off because it’s not too overwhelming.
7. Make a Kick-Ass Playlist
I truly believe playlist making should be on the top of every list of tips for success and happiness. If you haven’t already, log onto your music streaming provider of choice and curate a playlist (or playlists!) of songs to which you can strut through the quad, study, and/or dance. And if you don’t have enough time to make your own, check out Spotify or Apple Music’s “For You” or “Browse” sections as they both have a never ending supply of playlists for every occasion. Some personal favorites include “Ambient Chill” on Spotify and “The Cosign” on Apple Music.
8. Sleep is For the Weak — I Think Not!
I’m sorry, but have you ever taken a nap? That sh*t’s amazing. And your body needs it! Aside from feeling like the walking dead, not enough sleep can seriously affect your health, and in extreme cases can kill you. Yes, you, the college student in urban Seattle. So get those 7-9 hours and be consistent. You’ll find your energy is more consistent, you’re more productive, and your mood will improve. Some good ways to help is to try to go to sleep around the same time every day and stop drinking caffeine at around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Lots of water helps! Kill your screen time about an hour before bed–the bright light is irritating to tired eyes and wires your brain to stay awake. So, you can sleep when you’re dead — or you can sleep tonight. Choose wisely.
9. Channel Your Inner Cow
Did you know that the cow holds the position for the land animal that consumes the most water per day? Almost 100 gallons per day. Now, obviously we are not cows, and attempting to consume that much water in a day could very well kill you. But water is important! We are essentially more complicated house plants. So push yourself to go through a whole bottle every few hours, get some sunshine, eat those nutrients. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter, energized, and productive you feel. So get a mooooove on!
10. Sometimes, You Just Gotta
You ever watch Bob’s Burgers? On Netflix? You know Tina, the daughter? Yeah, be like her. Go out there. Let out that really aggravated sound that definitely makes other people uncomfortable. Or even better–grab some friends and go scream into the void! It’s really easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed, especially if you’ve been staring at a blank screen desperate for words to come out for that paper due in two days. Physically expressing pent up emotions really does help to purge yourself. That’s why crying feels so good: you physically release excessive emotions that bog your brain. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to stand in the middle of the quad and scream? Just make sure you drink some water afterwards.