It’s cold. It’s rainy (or maybe it’s already snowing knowing Massachusetts). It’s the weather telling you to stay under the covers, skip class and continue watching that Netflix episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Although it is tough to remain focused in class, I have compiled a list of things I do to remain focused at this time of year.
Take care of yourself
In recent years, self care has become more and more important. I love seeing how much mental health has been talked about, and how mental health is equally as important as physical health. Self care is an umbrella term–it literally means whatever you want it to. It might be taking a run to somewhere in Boston. It might be listening to a new album. Taking a fitness class. Painting your nails. Literally whatever you want it to mean. My big piece of advice here is this: if you start to notice yourself becoming unhealthy, use the resources that the college can provide for you. Maybe that means going to the counseling center and talking with someone about your feelings. Maybe it is keeping yourself on a routine. Again, self care is an umbrella term!
Routine, routine, routine
I would not be here if there was no such thing as routine. I am not saying to repeat what you did yesterday for the next 8 weeks. Get up at the same time, go to bed at the same time. You will start to realize how “awake” your body will feel when you get a goodnight’s rest. You know yourself best–if you are not a morning person, don’t have your routine from 8pm-6am. Keep it reasonable.
Try something new!
This can honestly be making new friends, taking up a new activity or changing your routine a little. I am a big believer in the power of fitness, so I encourage you to try a new class that you have never done before. How about doing a ride on a Peloton bike? Taking a swim in the pool? Participating in the Gymnastics Club? Whatever suits you!
Eat healthy
I am not saying become a vegetarian or vegan if it is not something that is practical for you (although, if you can, by all means do it!). Make sure you’re eating a good mix of foods that all hit the right key points of a balanced diet. Make sure you have carbs, healthy fats, protein and sugar in your diet. By sugar, I do not mean sour patch kids, but I mean more healthy sugars that are present naturally. This includes natural sugar in fruit and vegetables.
Get off campus
Do you know how easy it is to get stressed when you’re cooped up in your dorm or school’s library? Answer: very easy. My advice is to get out of Simmons. There are many places around that are GREAT study places. Boston Public Library and the Brookline Public Library are good places to go if you still want the library aspect, but not on campus. If you prefer coffee shops, Caffe Nero both in Longwood and Fenway, Thinking Cup on Newbury Street, and Neighborhoods Cafe in Fenway are my favorites! Sometimes just going to the MassArt library can be enough.
Get off your phone
We all love to flick through Instagram and hitting refresh. I’m guilty of spending a lot of time on social media, but I have found that I am a lot happier when I am off my phone and spending quality time with my friends. It makes me feel happier to just have regular conversations and to be focused on them instead of something that someone posted.
There are obviously other ways to stay motivated, but hopefully you can put some of these tips into place. Even more so, find things that make you motivated that maybe aren’t on this list. Just find what helps you stay motivated, and continue working hard!