After a relaxing winter break the last thing anyone wants to do is get into another monotonous routine of work, stress and no sleep. But fear not—below are three easy tips to ensure that this semester will be the best one yet! Implement these tips into your everyday life to ensure a refreshing and proactive semester. If nothing else: Remember that this is not only your semester, but 2017 is your year. Make the most of it!
Don’t Worry About a Thing
In the iconic words of Bob Marley, “Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright.” This is easier said than done, but try to make it a priority! Yes, school is stressful, but more often than not it is blown way out of proportion. Remind yourself that it is only the second week of the semester. Take it easy! The plethora of syllabi and looming deadlines might scare you, but take some deep breaths, try to focus on what is due first and leave the thoughts of panic for the coming weeks.
Switch Up Your Routine
With dreary, cold weather it is often hard to feel your best, especially when you are stuck in a repetitive routine day in and day out. Beat the winter blues by shaking it up once in awhile! Grab dinner with your friends at a new spot or make a study date at a local coffee shop. It can be especially difficult to explore campus as the semester progresses, so take the time to find new places and activities before the work load becomes unbearable. Knowing that something new is just around the corner will make you feel more motivated to conquer each day.
Think Positive
You might not have had the best last semester—whether academically, socially or mentally—but so what? The beauty of college is that we get a fresh start twice an academic year! Take this to your advantage and keep the past in the past. Create new habits to propel yourself to new heights and try to visualize all the success you will have instead of what didn't work out for you last semester. If you feel like each day is filled with negativity, establish a rule within your friend group so that you are held accountable for only positive self-talk. Live by the mantra, “Positive mind. Positive vibes. Positive life.”
