Nine Ways You Can Start Your Semester Off on the Right Foot
Since we kicked off the spring semester of 2023 just two weeks ago, let's talk about how we can practice good habits to keep us staying on the right track. Elon students have a common tendency to overcommit and take on 10 different activities all while being full-time students. This is why it is so imperative to implement these tips into your day-to-day routine to keep a healthy work-life balance.
1. Prioritize Sleep
Usually, when we have busy schedules, sleep is the first thing to go. But, sleep keeps us going throughout the day, and it's essential to rest your body. College students need seven to nine hours of sleep in order to feel well-rested. Creating a restful environment before bed by limiting screen time and keeping your room cool, dark and quiet can help ensure your body will get the rest it deserves. You won’t believe the difference you’ll feel the next day.
2. Move your body
When we’re feeling overwhelmed or tired, dragging ourselves to the gym is the last thing most of us want to do. Many of us forget that working out is key to releasing endorphins (a.k.a. magically feeling better). If you don’t have time to go to the gym, don’t sweat it! Moving your body could be going on a hot girl walk with some friends, doing a quick yoga video or even going on a bike ride. Put on a cute workout set and keep moving. You won’t regret it.
3. Practice saying no.
The people-pleasers in all of us are cringing, as “no” is not a word that comes out of our mouths often. Identify what is most important to know, and acknowledge what is not. As hard as it is to say that two-letter word, add it to your vocabulary. It must be done to preserve a balanced life.
4. Remember to eat.
Food is the root of all our energy and fuel to keep going throughout the day. Whether that's a big green salad, a home-cooked meal or a McDonald’s cheeseburger, don’t deprive your body; eat what makes you feel good.
5. Do things you actually enjoy.
In the midst of all our chaotic schedules, it may feel impossible to take time for ourselves and do things we actually enjoy. Buy yourself a present, hang out with friends or take a dog out for the day from the animal shelter. Whatever it is, remember to keep doing the things that make you happy because that’s what life is all about.
6. Write out your schedule.
Something that always helps is writing out your schedule and all your obligations for the week. This ensures that you won’t forget anything throughout the week, and as you check things off the list, you realize they weren’t so daunting after all. Don’t worry; everyone has a guilty pleasure of checking things off of a to-do list.
7. Don’t forget about your friends and family.
It’s easy to let our homework and extracurricular activities soak up all our time, but don’t forget about your friends and family. Our support systems can help us keep going and gain the motivation to succeed. Call your parents and hang out with your friends. They miss you.
8. Know when it’s time to take a step back.
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we can’t do it all. If something is no longer making you happy or you simply do not have enough time, know when to take a step back. Your mental health comes first.
9. Spend time outside.
One of the beautiful things about Elon is a short and sweet winter and lots of sunshine in the upcoming spring and summer. Soak up that sunshine and vitamin D. We promise that it will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to conquer another week of the semester.