As a student, fall has always been a hectic time for me. Full swing into the school year with summer break far out of sight, it’s definitely difficult to navigate (especially with college applications nearing the corner. . .) So I’ve been especially appreciative for the little habits in my life that allow me to strive throughout the many obstacles of life!
“Meal” prepping
While I’m not exactly the main chef of the house- a role which my parents assume to much of my appreciation- I like “prepping” some things before the start of the week! Before our routine weekend grocery trip, I try to make a mental list of anything I need for breakfast, lunch, snacks, etc.! My list usually consists of the same few items like yogurt, bread, and most importantly fruit. To make my life just a little bit easier, I wash all my fruits in one go and pack them away for the week. Simple and nothing groundbreaking, it’s just one of many habits that helps me prepare for the week.
Keeping A Planner
After getting my first planner during my junior year of highschool, I have been a huge advocate for them since. I’ve never really enjoyed using my phone to keep track of my assignments or responsibilities for the week, so having a physical planner has been a life saver. It’s just nice having a secondary reminder for something that may slip from your mind during the day, especially if your schedule is especially hectic. Plus, nothing quite beats getting to check off one more thing from the list after a long day of school!
Waking Up Early
Probably the hardest thing to acclimate to, becoming a morning person is one of the best things you can do for yourself. As someone who used to wake up at 10 to 11 AM on the weekends, waking up at 8 AM has changed my life for the better. With so much more time, I can really maximize my day to the fullest extent. I can go to the gym, study, and of course hang out with my family while still having some time for myself. Albeit difficult to get used to, you’ll eventually start naturally waking up around that time! Of course, don't force yourself to wake up that early all the time, especially if your body needs the rest.
Give yourself time off
A concept that I struggled coming to terms with, it’s important to understand the value of resting; even if you think you don’t need it (p.s. you probably do). Traversing through highschool is no easy feat and has definitely made me feel like I should be doing something 24/7. Growing accustomed to the constant studying and stress of the year, I became uncomfortable with just doing “nothing”. However, allowing myself to embrace the slow moments of life and stepping away from my responsibilities for a second has let me accept relaxing as a necessity. Whether it be watching a movie with your family or even just scrolling on your phone for a bit, give yourself that break!