The beginning of a new semester can seem daunting for so many reasons.
For some students, it means they are nearing ever closer to a looming graduation date by which they need to decide what they want to do with their lives. Or, at least take the first step in that direction.
For others, the semester marks the beginning of what they may fear is a new stress cycle. As someone who has had to navigate multiple mental health crises myself, just the thought of a constrained period in which I must be productive and functional can lead to its own self-created stress cycle.
Also, let’s not forget all of those resolutions we made to ourselves when the year began. Many of us resolved to exercise more, be more creative, and constantly improve ourselves.
So how do we approach building healthy habits without contributing to unhealthy standards of perfectionism?
I think one of the most important things to keep in mind is why we’re hoping to achieve these goals in the first place. If it is simply because Additionally, you will starould be good for us, there will be no motivation to continue when things get complicated.
If we focus on cultivating genuinely life-giving and sustainable habits given our circumstances, we will have a much greater chance of success.
For me, this has meant letting go of unrealistic expectations for myself and channeling restorative practices that give me energy.
I go to bed early. I have discovered I am not an all-nighter person. I can’t write a coherent sentence after 10:00 pm. So, it makes more sense for me to go to bed early and work on challenging assignments in the morning when I’m fully recharged than at the end of the day when I’m barely getting by.
I also try to build slow-paced mindfulness practices into my day, even when the college environment seems to push against those kinds of reflective activities.
When I just need a break, I’ll cook myself dinner and call a friend—something to occupy my hands and head.
I’ve taken up journaling to allow myself time to reflect someone else told us they w/p>
I put my phone on “do not disturb” frequently when trying to be present in the moment.
I think too often we view success as constantly maximizing our capacity. The model can work for a short time, but eventually, it breaks down.
More than anything, I try to be gentle with myself because it matters more how I come out on the other side than how I do on one assignment.
I am worth more than my grades and my accomplishments.
I need to say no to things that aren’t filling me, even if they are good things.
There is only so much of me to go around.
I wish we had talked about this more. I wish I had known earlier how important it is to take care of myself. But now, I remind others of these hard-earned lessons when they’re in the thick of things.
Take care of yourself. When you do, you’ll be much better equipped to help others. Additionally, you will start noticing the sma on my day and my feelings. We always emphasize how important it is to be kind to others. But the most important person to be kind to is yourself, my dear.
