As the start of a new school year approaches, many college students are readying themselves for another busy year. Balancing that academic life, social life and all the odds and ends in between can be a difficult task to achieve. It is a matter of developing good habits and being self-motivated. Take the time and evaluate how you do things and consider all the advice that is out there to help you along the way. Many of the things you need to do are simple and pretty obvious, yet with all that students need to think about, the easiest thing are sometimes overlooked.
Get some sleep. Easier said than done at times, but it is essential that you do. Pulling all-nighters or studying extremely late does not bode well for your health, let alone your brain function. Try managing your study time by spreading it out over several days, instead of trying to cram it all in one night. This will help you retain the information better and allow you to get the rest you need.
Avoid the coffee binges. Coffee is just a temporary fix to your energy boost. Caffeine, being a diuretic, will leave you dehydrated and in essence more tired. Cold water can actually help wake you up. Now, it is not to say not to drink coffee at all, but do not depend on it for studying or avoid drinking it several times a day.
Take breaks while studying. Every hour or so, give yourself a 5 to 10 minute break. It is not realistic to work for hours on end without becoming distracted. Take some time to take a short walk, meditate or talk to a friend. Whatever you choose to do, it will give your brain a short reprieve as it absorbs that information and readies itself for more.
Get some exercise. It is probably on the bottom of your to do list, but it is a great way to alleviate a little of your stress. A short 20 to 30 minute jog or some push-ups and sit-ups will help you clear your mind and give a boost to those much needed endorphins.
Take some “me” time. Take some time and do what you like to do. Read a book for pleasure, cook your favorite dish, go watch a movie or just take a breather from the world. Use that alone time to relax and debrief. It is fundamental to your well-being.
Keep organized. Keeping well-organized by using some type of planner will help keep you on the top of your game. Those planners will help you plan your study time, keep your class schedule at hand, remind you of your assignment due dates and much more. A planner is a must have for any student.
School is full of distractions and temptations to procrastinate, but finding your own way to keep all of it in check will help you take full advantage of your college experience and become a prosperous student.
