If you have recently started back at school or uni, you might be struggling to get to grips with your new timetable. The sudden shock of not being able to binge on Netflix on a Sunday and being expected to (shock horror) read over a mathematics course handbook can leave you feeling a bit queasy. In order to feel happy and organised, you need a nice balance of activities to keep you sane. Here are a few essential activities which will help you to feel productive, happy and healthy – and they include Netflix!
Make a study schedule
Whatever your subjects or interests, whether you’re an apprentice electrician or studying medicine at university, you’ll feel so much more organised if you sit down and write out a timetable for your work. Although some courses may only require you to attend classes or practical lessons for a few hours each week, you will be expected to complete a certain amount of study time yourself – in your own time! I know it’s painful to consider rejecting a cinema offer in favour of revision, but going over what you learned that day will really help you retain the information. And it doesn’t have to be in the library or at home, going for a walk and simply going over the information in your head can be just as useful. Drawing up a timetable of your study time and free time will help you feel in control.
Pursue a hobby
Hobbies come in all shapes and sizes, they don’t have to be sports. Revisit an activity from your childhood such as ballet or golf, or go for something completely different like Zumba or swimming. Do you enjoy eating out or following fashion? Why not start up a blog giving your opinion on what you love and recommend? Friends and family will love the personal insight into your life! Contributing regularly to something and improving your skills gives a real sense of satisfaction and personal growth. Engaging in different activities also helps to take your mind off any stress and focus on something that you are good at.
Put family first
You may think there’s too much going on in your life to worry about what your little brother is up to or when you should visit your gran, but making time for special people in your life, family or not, will give you a sense of reassurance and contentment that all is well in the world. Don’t miss out on family occasions like birthdays – attending family dinners can be really relaxing and help you forget all about exam stress. Your family love you for you, not your grades. Need advice? Your parents, grandparents and older siblings have been in the world a longer time than your and although you think they know NOTHING about your daily struggle (which is always real), they will often have some great gems of advice if you’re feeling down and confused about something. Similarly, keep an eye out for younger siblings who could do with cheering up; they might be more likely to talk to you rather than mum or dad so try to be there for them.
Make ‘you’ time
Whether you would rather binge on Call of Duty, Netflix or quality time with bae, it’s always important to set some time aside to just do whatever you want without the pressure of succeeding at anything. At some point each day take a moment to clear your head and appreciate the good things in life. Schedule in time for being silly with friends and spending time with that special someone, just chilling out. Whatever goals or achievements you have accomplished, claim some you time as a reward and simply do something that makes you happy. Buy that Twix, wear those shoes which no one likes but you LOVE and sit in your pants watching Friends, because who’s going to tell you you can’t?
Get some exercise!
Over 60% of Scottish men and women are overweight, something which is completely preventable with the right lifestyle adjustments. The recommend daily amount of exercise that teenagers and adolescents should have is 60 minutes, and there are loads of ways you can fit that in. Walk, cycle or skate to and from school or uni, take the stairs instead of a lift, and get out and about at lunchtime. Not only will you feel sluggish if you don’t get those legs moving during the day, your mood will be affected too. Since the dawn of time, happiness has been attributed to exercise so whether it’s a run in the morning or football with pals at night, get a good amount of exercise to help you feel healthy and positive.
Catch plenty Zzzs
‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead,’ is a common motto of young people who just can’t say no to partying, and yes you’re constantly warned about the dangers of sleep deprivation but that’s because they’re TRUE. Not getting enough sleep inhibits your ability to function, learn and behave normally. Everyone’s grumpy on a hangover, but if you regularly stay up until 2 or 3 trawling social media or watching Netflix, you’re running the risk of seriously affecting your day to day life. There’s nothing worse than dragging yourself to class only to sit struggling to hold you head up and using a herculean amount of willpower to keep your eyes open. Sleep deprivation can also contribute to gaining weight. Aim for between six and eight hours of sleep each night and you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
