Photograph by Melissa Kolano
It may feel like it’s been either a long or short time since the end of Block 8, but with all the summer jobs, internships, and traveling winding down, it’s normal to feel a variety of emotions (i.e. anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted). Hopefully, there is a little excitement and curiosity to help gather motivation for week one.
When transitioning to a new home, new atmosphere and new responsibilities the adjustment phase can often be made simpler by paying attention to immediate and long-term needs. Making a list, actually writing down everything you need to do and want to, is really the best way a great way to begin getting organized.
Think about where you want to be at the end of the semester. It may sound impossible, but you will thank yourself for the ability to look back and not cringe with the should have’s, would have’s and could have’s. On word document, or journal, create sections for the following goals: health, relationships, school, and personal finances.
If you’ve taken a whole summer off from daily exercise and kale spring mixes, creating a new pattern of healthy habits will require some planning and consistency. Whether you are on the meal plan or shopping for yourself for the first time, it can be easier said than done when cleaning up your diet.
Making a shopping list and meal planning for the week can be extremely helpful if you find yourself making excuses when you get hungry or are socializing. At Rastall, or around campus try to substitute a meal or two a day with a nice, big salad. Simply working out empty calories like sweets, chips, crackers etc. and avoiding fried foods will significantly improve your diet.
Always keep in mind the gym and outdoors are free. Schedule some time out at least a few times a week to get a good workout in. Take advantage of the beautiful Colorado landscape and go for a run. There are also tons of free workouts on Youtube ranging from five minutes to an hour (Jillian Michaels and fitnessblender are amazing!) Find a time of day that realistically works for you and your schedule and make it happen. No excuses.
With relationships and schoolwork we all know perfection is impossible. Weigh out how much your grades really mean to you. Will you be ok with the B+ instead of the A? Are you friends on the same page with frequency of going out, study time, and shared meals? A great blog called zenhabits posted an amazing post titled “Too Much to Do Too Little Time.” Writer, Leo Babauta creatively describes the 24-hour day as a small container, where we have to actively decide how we’re going to fill the limited space with the things that are most important to us and simplifying/letting go of the rest.
The status of your bank account often becomes an afterthought once commas begin to disappear. It might feel kind of silly and unfamiliar to physically write down the expenses you’ll encounter throughout the month, whether that be snacks, late night coffees, Weber runs, gas, but it’ll really help you realize how a few bucks here and there adds up. Also, keep in mind whether any money will be flowing inwardly. If you’re worried about money, part-time jobs are completely do able for extra spending money. Think about where you’re at now in terms of finances and consider how important sticking to a budget will be.
Finally, focus on all the exciting factors of college life. Embrace the unknown and unchartered territory. Find out more about what makes you feel happy, healthy and what motivates you to do those exact things.