4 Key Ways College Students Can Maintain Their Wellbeing Over A Semester
Well, my fellow collegians, spring is upon us. Winter break supplied us with the time to catch up on some much-needed sleep and take a mental vacation (for many of us, probably by trolling Netflix).
And while it wasn’t all fun and games — I mean, someone had to watch “The Bachelor” to sociologically deconstruct it, of course — it was mostly fun and games. But sound the bells because, we’re baaaack!
And we’re better than ever. Ready to tackle those piles of essay prompts and chapters of endless reading, you ask? Put on your brave face and keep these essential tips in mind to retain your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing in the face of overwhelming deadlines:
1. Ask Yourself Some Important Questions
Spend some time reminding yourself of your priorities: Which assignments demand your most immediate attention? How can you best and most effectively use your energy? Y
ou need not file all tasks under the “Code Red: URGENT” portion of your mental to-do list. Conversely, you shouldn’t file everything under the “I’ll-get-to-this-in-10-years” column either.
Instead, hone in on the stuff that matters most in the grand scheme of things: that big, looming project coming up might be easier to tackle if you started brainstorming some ideas.
Spend your time and energy wisely and you won’t feel exhausted by the end of the day. Ultimately, just make sure you don’t spread yourself too thin.
2. Take Time For Yourself
It’s important to take a break from the relentless stream thought that centers upon “things-I-have-to-do.” Take a walk around campus, clear your head and maybe write some bad poetry.
Take a Zumba class. Move a little. You’ll find that getting away from your awaiting assignments will make everything feel easier once you dive in. Plus, by taking a break, you’ll be more focused once you return to the task at hand.
3. Keep Perspective
Remember, at the end of the day, it’s just school. One grade will not determine the rest of your life. Repeat after me: your wellbeing is worth more than your GPA!
4. Enjoy
Sure, it can be easy to focus on the negative aspects that any semester may bring, from the never-ending assignments to the lack of sleep. But between complaints, remember to take some time to remind yourself that being a college student is a privilege.
You take classes that truly interest you and which knowledgeable professors teach, while your intelligent peers surround you on your beautiful campus. Not a bad deal. So make sure to recognize it every now and then. Enjoy where you are, right now.
Making a point to appreciate little things — like a class reading that you particularly enjoyed, or the perfectly toasted bagel you ate for breakfast — is an important aspect to living totally and completely in the present moment. Best of luck!
Top Photo Courtesy: We Heart It
