So often in college, we get wrapped up in internships, work, friends, and commitments. Students keep adding layers to their life in an attempt to make our resume resemble a diagram of earth's crust. This year I discovered that this over-commitment is slowly breaking us down. Unhappy, tired and sick the college student looks bedraggled compared to their list of accomplishments. So this year, my last as a student, I decided no more! Starting in 2016, I decided to value myself over my resume, social communities, and even education. Here are eight ways to say yes to yourself.
8. Get a pet.
Or do something big you've always wanted to do. My childhood dream came in a black, fuzzy, power pack of energy. A pet reminds you to think of someone other than yourself while being the perfect addition to your life.
7. Take up a new hobby.
Or recall an old one. Finding a hobby, or returning to one is like making a new friend. One who complements your personality to a T opens you up to new experiences and introduces you to new people.
6. Spend time alone.
Go ahead buy that novel you've been meaning to read, or that bubble bar at Lush you just can't live without. When you're alone you get to know yourself, and admit it you're pretty cool.
5. Make like an infant and sleep.
Loosing sleep, make you more stressed, ages you faster and lowers your immune system. Sleeping, even an hour more a night can improve your health. It may mean visiting that horrible school health center one less time during the year.
4. Get some exercise.
Take pride in your health. Exercise can improve focus, help improve sleeping patterns and prevent illness. Exercising can also improve psychological health, lowering stress and depression. Pooh has the right idea, reach for those toes and not the honey.
3. Clear away the cobwebs.
Clean up your life (especially since it's spring) and get rid of all the toxic junk. From that pair of jeans you haven't worn since freshman year to that horrible "frenemy" who's always bringing you down. Think of how much better you'll feel when all your laundry is folded and you no longer have someone telling you inconsiderate falsehoods.
2. Go to the doctor.
This is the hardest, from cost to timing. However, so many college students fail to actually take care of their health, only going to the doctor when something is wrong. The dentist, your GP, and your chiropractor are all there to keep you healthy, not to fix you when you're broken. Plus, you may just stumble upon a McDreamy.
1. Honor who you are.
From nerd to sports junkie to adventure seeker be who you are. Because when your happy, life is easier.
Taking time to value yourself is one of the most important things you can do. So say yes to you and find out how great a year in your shoes can really be.
