Securing "Me Time"
Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! This post is a bit more serious but it is something that should definitely be part of Beauty Uni. Style and makeup and hair can provide positivity for some, but what's most important is how you feel on the inside. I know, very corny, but also very true. The transition into college was very hard for me and sometimes still is. Each new school year provides its own opportunities and challenges. These fluctuating ups and downs can take a toll on mental and physical health- things that shouldn't be compromised, especially in an academic setting. For me, these next few things have been crucial in finding stability within all of the change and have really helped ground me.
Good Things Take Time
My first recommendation is to let everything fall into place. One of the biggest mistakes I've made when trying to settle into school, is forcing my own agenda when it wasn't realistically possible. I didn't allow myself time to get used to a different routine. In turn I was shoving any task into an open slot whenever I could. This led me to crash and burn out after just a few weeks. In this process, the chaos that I endured after realizing I had no structure to base my life around left me feeling helpless. You can't make a new routine adapt to your previous expectations- it just doesn't work like that. I suggest taking time to get used to your setting. Take time and figure out the best times that work for you and find the periods where you feel most productive. Then, after you've become comfortable with your new schedule, it's easy to act on more spontaneous thoughts or fit in a study session when you happen to have some extra time. Gaining comfort with your new setting is conducive to lasting comfort with your new routine, and you just need to take some breaths and let yourself adjust before throwing yourself all in. This process could take a few weeks or even a month- but don't let that discourage you because in the end the result will help your flow so much.
Making a Routine
One of the best things that has helped me keep track of my school work and my wellbeing, is to craft a schedule that is reliable and easy to stick to. This semester, I gave myself time at the beginning to settle in to my new schedule of classes. After knowing what times to get to class and knowing how long the gaps in between them really are, I had a thorough understanding of what I could and couldn't do throughout the week. I've been able to fit in my work shifts, gym sessions and time for myself around 17 credits and I am truly proud of myself. There are times when I have to mend my routine around an occasional meeting or event, but because I have made a clear routine for every day, it's so simple to adjust with life as it happens and make everything work. Having an organized routine has helped me physically, by allowing me to make it to the gym at least four times a week, but has also helped me mentally by helping me keep track of myself. After accomplishing everything on my schedule, it encourages me to accomplish other things like eating healthy, getting enough school work done on time and making sure all of my house payments are paid and sent out before their deadline.
Unwinding
The last thing in this sappy little post I'll mention is to make sure you unwind. Whether you unwind from listening to podcasts, doing yoga, cooking or just streaming your favorite show, if there is an opportunity to do so, take it. If you want to stay in one night then by all means, please do. You know yourself and your body better than anyone else ever will and it's important to listen to its cues. If you are feeling emotional or physical stress then do something that makes you happy. "Me time" is essential for myself and, I will say, I need a lot of it. I don't say this with any sense of shame or embarrassment and you shouldn't think of your own independent time with that kind of mindset. It is NOT selfish or neglectful to take care of yourself and the fact that there is sometimes a gluttonous connotation to having time to yourself is a complex that should be smashed. I love watching YouTube videos or hopping onto Netflix after a long day and it really boosts my mood and energy levels. By taking these kinds of breaks, I find myself being more productive afterwards and exceptionally more positive. There should always be time for you and you alone.
I really hope this helps someone and if you are having a tough time at school, I've been there- you're not alone in this. Luckily I'm on my way out but for those of you still getting through it... you can do it. - Char
Good Things Take Time
My first recommendation is to let everything fall into place. One of the biggest mistakes I've made when trying to settle into school, is forcing my own agenda when it wasn't realistically possible. I didn't allow myself time to get used to a different routine. In turn I was shoving any task into an open slot whenever I could. This led me to crash and burn out after just a few weeks. In this process, the chaos that I endured after realizing I had no structure to base my life around left me feeling helpless. You can't make a new routine adapt to your previous expectations- it just doesn't work like that. I suggest taking time to get used to your setting. Take time and figure out the best times that work for you and find the periods where you feel most productive. Then, after you've become comfortable with your new schedule, it's easy to act on more spontaneous thoughts or fit in a study session when you happen to have some extra time. Gaining comfort with your new setting is conducive to lasting comfort with your new routine, and you just need to take some breaths and let yourself adjust before throwing yourself all in. This process could take a few weeks or even a month- but don't let that discourage you because in the end the result will help your flow so much.
Making a Routine
One of the best things that has helped me keep track of my school work and my wellbeing, is to craft a schedule that is reliable and easy to stick to. This semester, I gave myself time at the beginning to settle in to my new schedule of classes. After knowing what times to get to class and knowing how long the gaps in between them really are, I had a thorough understanding of what I could and couldn't do throughout the week. I've been able to fit in my work shifts, gym sessions and time for myself around 17 credits and I am truly proud of myself. There are times when I have to mend my routine around an occasional meeting or event, but because I have made a clear routine for every day, it's so simple to adjust with life as it happens and make everything work. Having an organized routine has helped me physically, by allowing me to make it to the gym at least four times a week, but has also helped me mentally by helping me keep track of myself. After accomplishing everything on my schedule, it encourages me to accomplish other things like eating healthy, getting enough school work done on time and making sure all of my house payments are paid and sent out before their deadline.
Unwinding
The last thing in this sappy little post I'll mention is to make sure you unwind. Whether you unwind from listening to podcasts, doing yoga, cooking or just streaming your favorite show, if there is an opportunity to do so, take it. If you want to stay in one night then by all means, please do. You know yourself and your body better than anyone else ever will and it's important to listen to its cues. If you are feeling emotional or physical stress then do something that makes you happy. "Me time" is essential for myself and, I will say, I need a lot of it. I don't say this with any sense of shame or embarrassment and you shouldn't think of your own independent time with that kind of mindset. It is NOT selfish or neglectful to take care of yourself and the fact that there is sometimes a gluttonous connotation to having time to yourself is a complex that should be smashed. I love watching YouTube videos or hopping onto Netflix after a long day and it really boosts my mood and energy levels. By taking these kinds of breaks, I find myself being more productive afterwards and exceptionally more positive. There should always be time for you and you alone.
I really hope this helps someone and if you are having a tough time at school, I've been there- you're not alone in this. Luckily I'm on my way out but for those of you still getting through it... you can do it. - Char
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