After what seemed like forever, it’s finally the second semester. The sun begins to set after the late bus, the countdown for spring break starts and, best of all, math grades reset. Here are a few tips and healthy habits to start the spring semester strong:
- Plan out your work
You probably read this first tip and groaned, but planning your work is the best way to increase productivity, turn assignments in on time and stop procrastination. Grab a planner, open your Notes app, go on Notion (my personal favorite) – whatever works best for you. Create a list of all of your priorities for the day, and write down what you need to get done to be successful. Start with the easy things and organize your work for the day, week or even month. This can help sort out everything that may be overwhelming you and create a strong plan for yourself.
- Learn what study strategies work best for you
To study more efficiently and effectively, it is important to understand what type of learning works best for you. There are many different tests online to figure out your learning style, and you can research study strategies that may work well for you. For example, if you are a visual learner, you may study better by using flashcards and diagrams. On the other hand, if you are an auditory learner, you may look on YouTube for some teaching videos. Use a variety of strategies as you complete your work and prepare for tests so that you can understand which ones allow you to become the most successful.
- Prioritize sleep
As assignments pile up, you may be overwhelmed and push back your bedtime to crank out that one last assignment. Over time, this will not be sustainable. Less sleep causes fatigue throughout the day and lowers attention spans. (We’ve all almost fallen asleep in class once or twice). Making sure that you have at least seven hours of sleep most nights can help you stay motivated and healthy. Planning your work throughout the week additionally allows you to evenly distribute your assignments so that you can go to bed earlier some nights. Rest is productive, and sleep is proven to increase motivation and happiness, leading to a more efficient day tomorrow.
- Take time for yourself
I know it is very easy to get caught up in assignments, outside of school activities and social life, but similar to prioritizing sleep, it is very important to have self-care strategies for when you may feel overwhelmed. At some point each week, take some time for yourself to do one of your hobbies – whether that may be playing a musical instrument, creating art, playing a sport or something else. Make sure that you create moments throughout the week that you are looking forward to, breaking the mundanity of your normal life.
- Move your body
Moving your body throughout the week helps release stress and take a break from work. Exercise is good for your body because it releases chemicals such as endorphins (“happy hormones”) into your brain. “Movement” does not have to mean a five-mile run or a two-hour gym session. Instead, focus on incorporating small periods of exercise into your week such as a short walk or a yoga session. There are so many forms of movement that you can look into, so test a bunch and figure out what works best for you. As long as you are moving your body in a way that makes you happy and feels good, you are already reaping the benefits of exercise.
- Drink water!
This may sound like a simple habit, but I bet that you have not drunk water in the past thirty minutes. That’s okay – most of us haven’t. However, it is really important to drink water throughout so that you stay hydrated and healthy. The benefits of water include helping you stay focused, keeping you awake and even clearing up your skin. Bring a water bottle with you as you go from class to class and make sure that you refill it frequently. Make it fun by getting a water bottle that you love or setting a goal for yourself to drink a certain amount of ounces a day.
- Check-in with friends and family
We all have stressful lives, and it makes a huge difference when you express gratitude and support for others. The people who you surround yourself with the most are the people who have the greatest impact on your life. Prioritize spending time with positive and inspiring individuals who energize you and make you feel even more motivated.
With these habits, you can have a strong start to the spring semester and get ahead on all of your goals. You got this!
