For those who prefer the sun and open sky over the cooler winter months, spring is a fresh start and the perfect opportunity to recenter. While many of us think of a messy house when we hear “spring cleaning,” the sentiment can be applied to our mentality too. There are simple ways that we can do away with some bad habits and make adjustments to usher in a new period of growth.
Admittedly, it can be hard to make lasting changes to our habits and commit to a healthy schedule, but making small adjustments can be a good start, especially by using calmer weeks at the beginning of the quarter to set the tone just right.
Going to Bed Early…or Earlier
Not everyone is an early bird, but a small change in habits can often surprise us in the most unexpected ways. While not a practical solution for everyone, you may find that getting to bed an hour or two earlier makes all the difference the next morning. Early won’t look the same for everyone—for a night owl early could be 1 a.m.
For college students, it has become all too easy to pass off a poor sleep schedule as “part of the grind,” even though it is proven that students perform better on more sleep. Settling in earlier forces you to think more clearly about how you manage your time, and you may find that you can be equally productive in the morning if you’ve gotten enough rest. Sleep is often the hardest schedule to set, but once you’ve found a rhythm, it can be the best one to keep.
Be Active
Here is another tip that may come as no surprise, but it is one that cannot go without mention: walking to and from class alone can be its own form of exercise, but setting aside time during the week to exercise with intention can help you destress, challenge yourself and maintain your overall health.
Exercise is not always high-stakes or demanding of expert athleticism. Going on a short jog, a long walk, using the recreation facilities with your friends or following along with a yoga video are easy ways to get your heart pumping and set some new goals. Physical activity is helpful no matter how long, and should ultimately be something you enjoy.
Consider taking advantage of some of the Group-X passes at the John Wooden Center that offer a flexible schedule of classes like Barre and Pilates at a low cost. These classes are full of students at every level and are perfect for learning a new skill. Visit the UCLA Recreation website to explore other recreation center offerings.
Go Outside
This one can go hand-in-hand with being active, but being intentional about spending time outdoors can offer you perspective on the fast pace of your workload and lifestyle. Many students enjoy getting some sun at Tongva Steps, visiting the Botanical Gardens, hiking in nearby areas and taking the bus to the beach.
Going outside can also mean leaving campus for a short while and exploring Los Angeles. Sometimes the best way to reset during the weekend is by stepping away from your studies for a well-deserved break.
Recognize Your Hard Work
Though it may seem like the work is never-ending, it is important to give yourself a pat on the back for all your progress, big and small. When you set a goal for the week, think about something that might motivate you to make some new strides. Establishing a reward can make a task seem more achievable and help to establish healthier habits in the long term.
In addition to rewards, it is important to balance school with hobbies and small projects. Recognize your own interests and honor the things that make you feel like you! Take a break to crochet, paint and recenter.
Identity and Focus on Your Priorities
This is arguably one of the most important tips on the list, and it can often be one of the most challenging. Setting goals and finding motivation can seem hopeless when your priorities are out of order. You may find it useful to ask yourself what is most important to you, what you value in your day and in your life and what your personal needs are. These answers may not come to you right away, but keeping the questions in mind can guide you toward a lifestyle that is more sustainable and fulfilling in the long term.
At the start of your day or week, think about what is most important for you to achieve and what is less important. Marking your priorities can simplify your plan and streamline your focus.
Think About What Has and Hasn’t Worked for You
Last, but certainly not least, get rid of the habits that have not worked for you in the past. If you feel that the Winter quarter was particularly stressful or chaotic, as it usually is for most students, perhaps there are practices that you maintained that are no longer effective for you. This can be things like staying up late to study but being less productive during that time. It can also mean thinking about larger trends in your life that lift you up or bring you down. Don’t be afraid to do what is right for you even if it means making a big shift. Making a change can be scary, but the payoff is often worth the effort.
All in all…
Most of these tips can seem like common sense, but integrating them consistently into our lives can be harder than it seems. A good way to get started is to think about the bigger picture at the start of the week. Make yourself a plan and motivate yourself to stick to it. How can you factor these things into your quarter and set your own pace?
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Illustration via Adobe Stock
