A new school year is upon us, and we’re pretty excited. To help you get ready for the semester, we’ve put together five tips that you can use to have a great start to the year.
- Relax.
Starting a new year back at school can be exciting, but with new classes, adjusting to campus life and getting back on a schedule, the new school year can also bring stress. When your brain gets stress, your body experiences stress as well. It begins to release chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol, which really takes a toll on your body. Make sure to carve out some quiet time in your day–read, go for a walk, listen to a guided meditation–do something that makes you slow down and calms your mind. Your body will thank you.
- Set goals.
Before school begins, think about your goals for this year. Plan a few goals that you want to accomplish in the next week (short term), and some that you want to aim for this semester or school year (long term). Write them down and post them somewhere you can see them. These goals can help keep you motivated throughout the year and can provide a good outline for how you want to spend your time.
- Be realistic about your commitments.
With so many options to get involved in student life, it can be hard not to overload your schedule. Make sure you don’t spread yourself too thin, though. You have time to explore what interests you. So if you find yourself signing up for every opportunity, take a pause and look at your goals. If what you want to do aligns with these, see if you have time in your schedule–but don’t forget to carve out time for self care.
- Be gentle with yourself.
Being a student is tough, and it’s easy to become our own worst critic. When you find that the voice inside your head is telling you that you’re not “good enough,” remind it that you are worthy of love–just by being who you are. Accept where you are right now and pause to see what you need to care for yourself in this moment. Need some ideas? Here’s a giant list!
- Reach out.
If you find yourself struggling during the school year, make sure to reach out for support. Talk to your friends about what you need from them. Go to your professor’s office hours if you’re concerned about class. Don’t be afraid to visit your school’s counseling center. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, so reach out and vocalize what you need to take care of yourself.
