Now, by adulting I mean I am living in a tiny apartment in a college town which is rented out by a company that scams college students all year. I live in this tiny apartment and share a bedroom with two other people. We're on the ground floor, level with the very loud college students who like to roam around in the middle of the night. We have a leaking air conditioner, chunks out of walls, broken shelves, and wobbly furniture. There are two closets for three girls, but we are making it work. This is my first apartment and the first time I have had to cook for myself, cleaned, done laundry, and everything in between. This is my first big step into freedom, and let me tell ya, it hasn't been the smoothest. Here's what I've learned so far:
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In This Article:
1.Shower
There is nothing more refreshing than a hot shower. Some would argue that morning showers help you have a happier day. Also, you look better and smell better. There is nothing grosser than greasy hair. And it keeps you healthier.
2. Sleep
After one all nighter during Freshman year, I realized that sacrificing my Zzzz’s was not worth it. In fact, I ended up forgetting what I had studied the night before, and it threw my whole sleep schedule off. That caused all of my classes to suffer.
3. Schedule
Showering and Sleeping are impossible when you don’t schedule. Your day probably has an element of spontaneity to it, however, it is still so helpful to have a basic timeline for your day. Some nights I’ll write each task I need to accomplish on a different sticky note. The joy at the end of the next day of crumpling each accomplished task is something you have to experience!
4. Eat Well
Nixing Ramen and nightly Domino's pizza orders will cause your personal health to skyrocket. Cutting down on caffeine will also help you sleep better. Water is also so important. With all the coffee that makes up a college student’s beverage diet, water gets overlooked. You’ll take one gulp of pure, ice cold drinking water and wonder where the heck this miracle liquid has been.
5. Exercise
Last semester, I was exercising sporadically or “when I had time.” Here’s the thing though, an episode of The Office is 20 minutes. I was watching plenty of that. At one point, I felt so freaking stir crazy and threw on my tennis shoes and walked through the freezing Ohio weather to the gym and exercised for like 40 minutes. I’m not trying to be a body builder or anything, but you just feel so much better after a few minutes on the stationary bike or eliptical.
6. Socialize
You need people. Friends are important. My friend and I both had crazy schedules last year, but we’d go to the grocery store together or to Wal Mart and catch up that way. It’s just good to sit and vent with someone every once in awhile. Midnight doughnut runs are also fun, or Mean Girlsmovie nights.
7. Be on Time
This one helps everyone’s productivity. Also, when you strive to be there on the dot, even if you’re a minute or two late, it helps you keep the rest of your life scheduled. Also, if you try to be on time, and plan accordingly, chances are you won’t be super stressed out trying to get somewhere 10 minutes away in 3 minutes.
8. Chillax
There is nothing wrong with kicking back and watching a few hours of a TV show. You need it. It’s important to take your mind off the real world for a little bit.
9. Journal/Pray/Reflect
It is vital to look inwardly and see how you’re doing, not just materially, but emotionally and spiritually. If you’re not emotionally doing well, something needs to change. It can be really hard to do well in other aspects of your life if you aren’t feeling well mentally. Journaling is the best free therapist out there, so is talking to a good friend.
10. Gain Perspective
Chances are, you know someone whose schedule is way more intense than yours. Or maybe you know someone who is going through a lot, but still manages to get a lot done. When I start to complain about my course load, I remember that my dad had four kids in medical school and residency. I also tr to remember that there are a lot of people out there who would love to "struggle" with too many classes. Doing something for other people can also really help make life more meaningful.
11. Do what works for you
By the time you’re 18, you know which study methods work for you, and how much sleep you really need every night. There’s going to be people all around you telling you how to live your life. And while there might be some really helpful pointers, only you can know what really works for you!You probably have some other ideas, but these seem to work pretty dang well!
Fordham Ram
2. "I'm going to be a responsible adult"
Well, I did my own laundry if that counts.
3. "I will stop spending so much money on food"
My eating routine consists of breakfast, breakfast part 2, brunch, brunch part 2, lunch, lunch part 2, dinner, dinner part 2, and a midnight "snack".
4. "I will take great notes in all of my classes"
Expectations, sigh.
5. "Goodbye, procrastination"
Although I spent more than 12 hours on this paper, I'm sure I can finish it by 3 a.m.
6. "I had a great, relaxing weekend"
Said no college student ever. What's a weekend without 3 papers, 2 presentations, and 2 tests worth 50% of my grade?
7. "I don't miss homemade food"
I had the wonderful opportunity, as a commuter student, to try food from the campus dining hall. I have to admit that I am so grateful for homemade food!
8. "I'll start studying for finals one month early"
This one is quite difficult of a goal to accomplish since the curriculums haven't been completed yet. Nonetheless, we can start revising old notes in the meantime.
1. Sunshine
2. My Health
Being in nursing school and being around sick people so much makes me especially thankful for my health.
3. My Mom
My mom does so much for me and she does not nearly receive the credit that she deserves! She is literally a superhero. She does it all: cleans the house, cooks dinner, and plays taxi driver and nurse when I am sick. She has always been my number one supporter, making sure that she gets to as many cheerleading competitions, band concerts, and track meets as she possibly can! I have no clue what I would do without her! I would give the world to my mom if I could!
4. My Dad
I am thankful for my dad because he is always concerned for my safety while I am away at school and when I am home too! I constantly call my dad with the most random questions, usually when something is wrong with my car, and although he laughs at me sometimes (okay most of the time), he always does everything he can to help me out. I am thankful that my dad (and my mom too) taught me all about respect and the importance of working hard.
5. My Sisters
I am so thankful that I am able to grow up with two little sisters who I love so much. I wouldn’t trade them for the world!
6. College
I am a firm believer that it is a privilege, not a right, to attend college. There are so many people who would like to attend college, but are unable to due to the financial burden it creates. This is why I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend a great school and receive an excellent education in order to better my future.
7. My House
I am incredibly thankful for my home. My dad and my grandfather built our house in 1998, and have since expanded upon it. My parents work hard to keep the house running smoothly: my dad cuts firewood to keep us warm in the winter and my mom immaculately cleans the house and makes sure that there is always good food on the table. It is so comforting to know that I always have such a welcoming house to come home to.
8. My Job
I love both of my jobs, and I especially love getting paid to watch sports! I am thankful for my jobs not only because they allow me to have money to buy the things I want and/or need, but because they instill a sense of responsibility and dependability in me.
9. My Car
I am thankful for my car because it gets me where I need to go and gives me freedom!
10. My Roommate
I’m thankful for my roommate and her ability to always keep me smiling even on the worst of days and all of our crazy adventures!
11. Coffee
Obviously no explanation is needed here. COFFEE = HAPPINESS.
12. Puppies
Who doesn’t love puppies? I am thankful for my puppy Mocha and all of the joy and snuggles she gives me!
13. When my favorite song comes on the radio
14. Warm summer nights and bonfires
15. Good Food
16. Netflix
Derek Shepherd on "Grey’s Anatomy"… need I say more?
17. Long runs
Runner’s high is real and amazing.
18. A good night’s sleep
And even better than that, waking up feeling refreshed and ready to go!
19. Outdoor concerts
20. Waking up on Christmas morning
I love seeing my little sister wake up with excitement on Christmas morning!
21. Hitting all the green lights when I am late for work
22. The opportunity to act like a little kid again
23. Catching up with family and friends I have not seen in awhile
24. When I wake up before my alarm and can roll over and go back to sleep
25. My safety
Police officers get so much denunciation these days it seems. I am forever thankful of their service along with all other first responders.
26. My freedom
When you are having a bad day or going through a rough patch, it can be hard sometimes to remember all of the great things in your life that you are grateful for. I encourage you all to try listing all of the things that make you smile or make your life a little bit easier the next time you are feeling down in the dumps. It works wonders!
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