With a new school year approaching, everyone is scrambling to get all their ducks in a row. Everyone is running around and getting the last few things on their school supply list. Everyone is putting the "pro" in "procrastination." While this is the most common way of doing things, this shouldn't be how you live your everyday adult life.
You should always strive to have your shit together.
While this is hard for some people, including myself, there are a few small things anyone can do to start sorting things out and getting settled before all the craziness of real life starts back up. I have started to do these things and have already noticed a change within myself. If I can do it, anyone can. I promise.
1. Get a planner.Â
First and foremost, in order to get your shit together, get something to help keep it all straight. Invest in a day planner so you can mark down all things going on in your life. If planners aren't your thing, make a to-do list for your week! Write down every work shift you have, every social outing you planned on attending, as well as all assignment due dates for schoolwork. By physically writing down things, you're able to plan accordingly so there are no social conflicts. I know we all don't want to be THAT person who is stuck in a sticky situation where they have to choose between going out with friends or staying home to finish a paper they totally forgot about.
2. Reach out to people.Â
Notice how I didn't say, "Reach out to friends." Reach out to PEOPLE! Not just the same 3 friends you always hang out with. Hit up that super cool person you met in a class and ask if they wanna get coffee. Ask that girl or guy you have your eye on to watch a movie at your place. Go on a walk with a person you haven't seen in ages and catch up. Start building new bridges so that when your 3 go-tos aren't available, you're not stuck sitting in your room watching hours upon hours of Netflix cooking shows... for the third night in a row.
3. Dress to impress.Â
When people say, "Dress to impress!", you usually think of getting all dolled up and putting on your best cocktail dress or suit to have a night out on the town. However, this is not what I mean. When getting up and ready for your day, wear an outfit that isn't just a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. Instead, wear a nice pair of jeans, that cute shirt you haven't worn in a while, and a funky pair of shoes. When you dress yourself up, you feel more confident in yourself which instantly translates to you acting like the boss that you truly are. People will notice this and I'm sure you will too.
4. Take risks.
By taking risks you figure out what you like and what you dislike. This goes for hanging out with friends, dating, joining clubs, and even applying for a job you think you're underqualified for. By taking these risks, you learn what your preferences really are, who you like being around, and what your boundaries or limits are. By understanding this aspect of yourself, you will be more capable of figuring out what all you can fit on your plate without overwhelming yourself or having a bad time. You may also find that you particularly like something that you never thought you would! So if there's something that you want to do, get a few pals together and GO DO IT!
5. If you're in school, focus on your studies.Â
Every student out there, regardless if they're in high school or college, knows that homework is a burden if they aren't on top of it. If your teacher says that you have a paper due in 2 weeks, don't wait until a few hours before the due date to whip something together. Since you know what your week looks like (because of that nifty ass planner you have) you know when you will have downtime. As tempting as it is to nap or socialize during your few free hours, you know you should probably work on the assorted assignments that are due in a few short days. Set time aside to study and actually do your work so that you're not stress-crying at 11:30 pm over an assignment that's due at midnight.
6. Live a healthy lifestyle.Â
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn't always revolve around eating right. While that is very important, there are other elements to factor in. Take time to be active. Leaving your house 10 minutes early so that you can walk to class will make such a difference in your life. You'll feel better about yourself and feel less lazy in general. Going back to the food aspect, don't fill your stomach with cafeteria food on a daily basis.
Instead, save a few dollars and take a few extra minutes the night before to pack a lunch to take with you to school or work. Include a sandwich, a container of fruit, and a granola bar and you're set for success. It also doesn't hurt to keep a full water bottle on you at all times. Drinking water is something so small that makes such a big difference. It clears up your skin, gives you natural energy, and overall helps you stay refreshed. So guys, hydrate or die-drate. That's all I have to say.
7. Set time aside for yourself.Â
Amongst all the things you have going on in your life, remember to take some time to focus on yourself. If you're feeling drained, finish up whatever homework you have and then settle into bed with a cup of tea, apply a face mask, get some soothing tunes playing, or just start your nightly Netflix binge a little early. Doing things for yourself isn't selfish. Treating yourself isn't a reckless act. Getting a few extra hours of sleep isn't being lazy. Everyone needs mental health days every now and then. Take the time you need to recuperate and get your energy levels back up so that you can continue killing the game and continue keeping your shit together.