Any change to your usual study routine can be tricky to manage, whether you’re beginning a new semester, a new school, or even heading off to college. While you may be nervous, new beginnings almost always usher in fresh, positive opportunities. You just need to take a little extra care of yourself to put your mind at ease, and set yourself up for a great first week.
It’s important to keep up with your self-care routines throughout your studies, but creating those habits and rituals at the start of a new academic experience will give you that confidence boost you need for a strong start. Here, we share our top three wellness-boosting tips to try.
Familiarize yourself with what’s new
Our minds can easily play tricks on us when we’re feeling nervous, and this can be incredibly unhelpful, particularly if we’re worrying excessively or not seeing things as they truly are. For example, many of us will know what it’s like to play out a future scenario in our heads, only to then find out that the reality of the situation is far less scary than we predicted it to be.
Of course, it’s hard to stop your mind from doing this altogether – our brains are simply wired to plan for the worst-case scenario. However, you can take a more purposeful, mindful approach, by jotting down each new aspect of your studies and analyzing what is or isn’t likely to happen. Once you feel more familiar with what to expect and more connected to your feelings, you’ll be better able to prepare for and handle your first week.
Keep some things the same
When it comes to navigating a physical move like going away for college, or even studying for a semester abroad, it can be useful to put a plan in place to help you combat homesickness. While it’s something that’s widely experienced and accepted as part of being away from home, you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence if you’re finding things difficult. It’s the same whether you’re moving away by yourself, or with your family – it’s natural to miss your friends and the town you’re used to.
During the first week of your studies, try to check in with your loved ones on at least a few occasions, or as often as you feel you need to. A phone call home can go a long way in helping things to feel more familiar. Likewise, anything else you can keep the same will help you to feel more settled – this could be as simple as using the same bedsheets you have at home, or sticking to the same nighttime routine. Anything that helps you to feel safe, cozy, and comfortable is an excellent self-care technique.
Stay connected to supportive people
Outside of your immediate loved ones, there may be other people you can turn to if you need support. You won’t be the only student beginning this new academic journey – so chances are, there will be other students just like you who are looking for a way to reach out and connect.
Consider joining any societies or social groups that interest you at your school or college, or try some new activities in your spare time. Not only will this help you to develop new friendships, but you’ll reap all the self-care benefits of engaging in your personal hobbies and interests.
Be kind to yourself
Lastly, be kind to yourself, and remember that self-care is all about doing the right things to help your mind and body feel good. So long as you’re true to yourself and your needs, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the first week (and all the weeks thereafter) of your studies.
