Syllabus Week Has Come To An End, But Your Sanity Doesn't Have To | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Syllabus Week Has Come To An End, But Your Sanity Doesn't Have To

Please remember to take care of yourself this school year, whether this is your first semester or your last.

7
Syllabus Week Has Come To An End, But Your Sanity Doesn't Have To
USA Today High School Sports

For many college students, syllabus week has come and gone. You have gone through the typical process of reviewing the syllabus, purchasing your materials, and introducing yourself to your classmates. Some of you may not have even had a syllabus week. You may have been expected to have the syllabus memorized coming into class on the first day. Either way, it is now time to get down to business. Life is about to become incredibly stressful and hectic. With so many assignments and deadlines, it can be difficult to not feel overwhelmed. And while school is definitely important, your own well being should be your number one priority. Here are some basic (but often disregarded) tips to take care of yourself this school year:

1. Organization is key

If you have a planner, use it religiously. If not, invest in one. Seriously. There is nothing like remembering an assignment less than an hour before it is due. That being said, you must have a way to prioritize events and keep track of deadlines. Having a calendar or planner of some sort is crucial to success in college. Also most of you have smart-phones with a bulit in calender and reminder feature, so why not use it because you are always on your phone anyways.

2. Get enough sleep

I know, you've heard it a million times. You've heard it so many times that you're tired of hearing it. Speaking of being tired, did you know that getting 8-9 hours of sleep is imperative to cognitive function? From a biological and psychological standpoint, the brain needs a sufficient amount of sleep in order to effectively process and store information. So what's the point of pulling an all-nighter to cram for a test if your brain won't be able to find any of that information in the morning. I understand that going to class all day and studying (or partying) all night seems to leave little time for sleep. But getting a good night's rest will make you feel better physically and perform better mentally.

3. Eat healthy

The Freshman 15 is not a myth. In college, it is cheap and easy to grab a bag of chips or a slice of pizza when you're hungry. However, you need to fuel your body with foods of nutritional value. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will allow your body and mind to function at peak performance level. You do not have to sacrifice junk food completely. You just have to make an effort to maintain a healthy diet. Choose a salad for lunch instead of a hamburger. Choose an apple with peanut butter for a snack instead of a package of Oreos. And as impossible as it sounds, minimize your caffeine intake. Even if that means ordering a Tall at Starbucks instead of a Venti.

4. Exercise

This goes hand in hand with #3. Exercise is crucial to both your physical and mental health. We all need exercise in order for our bodies to operate smoothly. But exercise is also one of many ways to boost your mental health. When you exercise, neurotransmitters called endorphins are released in your brain. These chemicals are responsible for positive emotions. This is where the term "runner's high" comes from. Taking the time to exercise can relieve stress and reduce negative emotions. If you are not insanely athletic, don't think that you have to start benching 300 pounds or running 10 miles at a 6-minute mile pace. Exercise can be as simple as doing yoga each morning and night or going on a 15 minute walk after each hour spent studying.

5. Have fun, but not too much fun

One of the first things you learn in biology is that a state of balance must occur for life to exist. The same goes for college. Balance is important. You shouldn't spend every waking moment studying and reading textbooks. This will inevitably lead to excess stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Similarly, you shouldn't attend parties every night. You can't possibly function well in school if you find yourself hungover with a brain soaked in booze every morning. Especially if you partake in underage drinking. Not only is it illegal, but it impairs the growth of your brain during an important developmental phase. Make a commitment to your academic life as well as your social life. But remember to maintain balance within these two aspects.

6. Join a club

Find your people. Clubs are a great way to meet and connect with people that share common interests. Many colleges offer a wide variety of clubs and social groups. It doesn't have to be a sorority/fraternity either. Simply finding a club that interests you is enough. And if you can't find a club that suits your interests, start your own. The possibilities are endless when it comes to interacting with your peers. You'll be surprised at how many new friends you can make.

7. Find a class that you love

As a freshman, the majority of my classes are general education classes. That doesn't mean that I have to suffer through them. Neither do you. I know that English-101 or Applied Calculus isn't everyone's cup of tea. But most colleges offer a broad range of topics to study. Choose something that interests you and find a relevant class to put in your schedule. Work hard in all of your classes, but dedicate extra time to one that you actually enjoy. Who knows?... Maybe you'll end up finding your true passion in life.

8. Take time to breathe and relax

As humans, we can only juggle so much. Juggling too much will leave you feeling run-down and exhausted. With homework, sports, clubs, and relationships, many people do not leave any time for themselves. This is a major set-up for disaster. You need to remember to take care of yourself. Don't give up old hobbies and interests for the sake of studying a little longer. Everyone needs an outlet, something that makes them feel happy and at ease. Having an outlet is so important during this period of high stress levels. Running, drawing, writing (not essays), and meditation are just a few examples of ways to take a break and improve your mental help.

9. Don't be afraid to ask for help

As an introvert, asking for help has always been a scary idea. I prefer to do things independently, even if I have no idea what I'm doing. I, like the majority of students, hate the feeling of looking stupid in front of other classmates. But remember that everyone does something stupid at one point or another. We are all stupid at times, but these times do not define us. Even the smartest individuals need help sometime. If you don't understand an assignment, ask a professor. If you want a second opinion about an essay you wrote, ask a classmate to proofread it. If you feel lonely, upset, or homesick, give your family and friends a call. You will only benefit from trying to receive the assistance that you need.

10. Embrace the change

The only constant in life is change. College is such an important time in your life. These are the years that help you figure out who you are while also paving the road to who you are going to be. Enjoy them. Don't worry if you change your major five times before deciding what you truly want to do with yourself. Allow yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Do whatever it takes to create the best possible version of yourself that you can.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196282
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18481
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460579
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28152
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments