(Because it's a lot harder than it looks)
This isn't
something I'd typically write about here but after the semester I've had,
wow, I feel compelled to share what I've learned somewhere. So, hello
somewhere.
I've just finished my second year of college and what a time it has been... In the words of Kylie Jenner (lol stay with me) I feel like this year's been "about, like, the year of just realizing stuff." College is a particularly strange and stressful time, making it quite the challenge to navigate through. I'm already an anxious person as it is, so throw in a high academic rigor, balancing extracurriculars, (trying to have) a social life, and getting enough sleep is virtually impossible. So here's a few things I've learned help me stay sane throughout it all.
*Disclaimer* *Disclaimer* There are still times when I struggle to take my own advice!
*Disclaimer* *Disclaimer* There are still times when I struggle to take my own advice!
Dress up for class
Trust me I know how easy it is to roll out of bed and throw on the first thing you see, but what you wear has a significant impact on your mood and productivity! I've realized on the days I take the time to wear something I feel good in, I'm much more positive throughout the day. I guarantee if you put in the extra effort to get dressed in the morning you'll be more motivated (and you might even find yourself paying attention in class.)
Develop a morning routine
The morning is yours, all yours! So make the most of it by waking up earlier than you normally would and start your day on the right note. It might sound crazy but creating an effective morning routine has been completely transformative for me! For starters simply adding in 10 minutes of meditation assures that I'm starting the day with a focused and clear head. I know it's hard but you should also keep your morning's technology-free for the most part (something I really struggle with). Instead of scrolling through Instagram and checking Snapchat, read something inspiring and up-lifting. Lastly you should also consider adding in some sort of exercise or activity to your mornings. I never have time for the gym in the morning, but my classes are a fun 20 minutes away from my dorm... So that walk is enough to get me energized for the day. Honestly developing a solid morning routine that you can stick with is the best way to take control of your life.
Just go to class
Really, just go to class. As much as you might like to believe class is optional, it isn't. So just go to class.
Make your room your sanctuary
If you're anything like me, then your life is in a constant state of chaos. Making it absolutely crucial to have a calming space to come home to! Your external environment can have a great impact on your mood, so carefully create a space you find inspiring and relaxing.I find my anxiety levels are so much lower when my room is clean. If you can, you should avoid studying in your room as this can also mold it into a stressful environment. Lastly don't let your room become stagnant, move things around frequently, breathe new life into your space by adding plants. Your living space is a reflection of your life, so get creative with it!
Everyone is crazy, so be nice
Everyone that you know is going through their own stuff, and at this stage no one has a clue on how to deal with any of it. So be nice, spread positivity wherever you can, you never know the impact you might have on someone.
Change your major
Ok I don't mean you should go and just change your major for the sake of it, but try something new! Don't be afraid to take classes outside of your major, or even your school. It's completely unrealistic at this point in life to know exactly what you want to do. So don't limit yourself to the "Psychology" box you might have checked when you were applying to college. This is the best time to explore absolutely everything. You never know, you might even discover something you never would have considered otherwise!
Understand not everyone will stay
It's so painfully cheesy but vey true, some people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Weird things happen and people you thought could never leave, will somehow vanish into thin air, leaving you disoriented and confused. Understand that you can't control everything, especially the people that choose to walk in and out of your life. Life is weird, but I promise you will find incredible people on your wavelength when the world is crashing down around you.
Make a Finsta
You might think I'm kidding, but this is THE most important tip I have for you. If you only take away one thing from this post then let it be this - Make a finsta! For those of you who might be wondering, but what is a finsta? It's basically a fake Instagram account where you can post whatever you like (it can even be aesthetic if you want it to be, although my friends don't agree with me on this). Think of it as a daily photo journal where you can share your mood, and recount all the crazy and embarrassing moments. It's honestly a great outlet for sharing your highs and lows with a select few. Don't let people tell you it's pointless and unnecessary, because it's FUN, so just make a finsta.
Run away
Sometimes the stress can build to the point where you just need to get away from your immediate surroundings. Now, some people might call this running away, I like to think of it as a temporary vacation from reality! This is really last resort when everything becomes too much, I find it really helps to get away for a while, even a day trip somewhere will do the trick! Also call your mom, that helps too.
If something is jeopardizing your peace, let it go
Lastly don't hold on to anything that threatens your peace and happiness. Stop wasting time and energy on people who don't see your worth. If someone can't give you more than a colorful array of mixed signals, it's time for them to go... Life's too short, so focus on the people and things that bring you joy. You shouldn't be holding onto to anyone or anything that doesn't allow you to grow and become a better person. And you don't owe anyone an explanation for letting something go.
Image credits: http://forworkingladies.com/10-online-businesses-for-entrepreneurs/
