What to keep in mind when starting the academic school year
By THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Wellness is highly individualized; each and every one of us has a unique regime, set of activities or habits that keep us healthy and happy — both physically and emotionally. However, we on the Editorial Board know that school can often cast an obtrusive shadow on our wellness practices, with the constant need to prioritize classes and achieve high marks resulting in stress and sleepless nights.
As we dive deep into fall quarter, it’s important to actively pursue the hobbies and interests that bring you peace of mind, whether it’s taking a walk in the mornings, journaling or watching an episode or two of your favorite show. Making that time each day to prioritize yourself — rather than casting your needs aside in favor of doing more work — is the first healthy habit to curate this academic school year.
A great way to go about forming this habit is sticking to a consistent routine and setting aside time in the mornings and evenings to practice self-care. Performing a simple ritual like making yourself a cup of coffee and listening to music can help you start your day feeling fresh and energized. In the evenings, sitting in bed to read a few pages of your book or writing down your favorite part of the day can ground you, taking your mind off of your to-do list as you wind down for the night.
Another way to approach this habit is by separating your work and personal life. We cannot overstate the importance of finding a good study space away from your dorm or apartment, with access to plenty of resources and limited distractions. The optimal environment will boost your productivity, leaving you more time later in the day to spend on yourself. At UC Davis, some of our favorite study spots include the Memorial Union CoHo (with plenty of coffee and snacks), the library (which offers student tutoring and research assistance) and the TLC Writing Center (with a private and comfortable study space).
We acknowledge that financial stability and good academic standing are indispensable. However, don’t let your personal health be pushed to the side: achieve your dreams in a way that doesn’t erase what you love and who you are as a person. Furthermore, take advantage of academic counseling and mental health services on campus, go to office hours if you need advice from your professor and build a strong support network. There are so many resources available to support you, and it is perfectly normal to reach out for help when you need it.
In a society where we are constantly judged by our achievements and work is prioritized over everything else, finding that equilibrium makes an incredible difference. Staying organized and deliberately making time to take care of your mental and physical well-being can lift some weight off your shoulders. At the end of the day, keep in mind that feeling prepared and in-tune with ourselves promotes learning and retention and, needless to say, contributes to our academic success.
Above all, it is crucial to remember that we are defined by so much more than our grades. So, take some deep breaths, pause to appreciate the beauty of the world around you and realize that there are some things outside of your control (and that this is okay). Make wellness your top priority this quarter, and you are sure to see glowing results for both your mental health and physical well-being.
To end with the wise words of American novelist Anne Lamott, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”
Written by: The Editorial Board
