Hey guys! Welcome back if you’re here from the previous semester or welcome if you’re new! If you are new — I’m Ariana and my passion blog this semester will be all about healthy living. I’m so happy we’re starting a brand new semester because I feel as if it really is mind easing, almost as if you have the chance to start fresh. I find this view really calming and reassuring, almost. Even though some may not consider it part of “healthy living,” I personally believe that mental health is super important and something to really make a top priority. So…. today’s blog will be all about how to stay in a good mental state as we conquer the first few weeks of school, because I’m not sure about you but these first few weeks for me have been A LOT (to say the least).

HOW TO STAY IN A HEALTHY MENTAL STATE AS A COLLEGE STUDENT (LESS STRESS):

TIP #1: KEEP A PLANNER

Okay hear me out! My planner is saving my life, actually. I am the type of person who likes to have a list and see things written down so being able to check off all of my “to-do’s” in my planner is so satisfying to me. I also don’t like seeing things on my planner not checked off, so it gives me more motivation to do them. And you can make your planner super cute and decorative as more inspiration to wanna do work! (dumb maybe but it works)

TIP #2: GO TO THE LIBRARY

My second tip is to make those trips to the library– regularly! My reasoning behind this is that the more you go to the library, the more work you’re bound to do. The more work you do, the less you have to stress over! Perfect logic! I really need to start following this tip more because I know I feel really great and productive after spending a few hours in the stacks. I also choose the library over just studying in my room as I feel that it gives me more of a reason to study (I already hiked over to the library I might as well do work). Also the library has Starbucks! Treat yourself and make your studying go by faster with a latte!

TIP #3: SLEEP! 

Okay actually this one should probably be number one on the list. Sleep is the most important thing! Make sure you’re getting enough rest! Another tip I need to start following better, but seriously sleep can make your days go by so much smoother. Like– crazy concept hear me out— imagine waking up feeling well-rested for an 8 A.M. Crazy right? Well it doesn’t have to be! People our age are recommended to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night, so start setting a bedtime! Don’t stay up all night watching Tik Toks in bed (like me), don’t do it! Get better sleep! You’ll feel like a new, happier, healthier person!

TIP #4: START SAYING NO

My last tip for staying stress free is to start saying no. If you’re like me, you have the biggest FOMO (fear of missing out) in literally the entire world. I hate missing out on something, no matter what it is, causing go to every single event. I’m telling you first handedly that it is not worth it. Skip the function if you have to wake up early the next day. If you have an exam. If you’re already behind on your schoolwork. I promise you there will be more times to hangout with your friends and have fun. I personally have made the mistake of doing things just so I didn’t get FOMO when I was already behind on my schoolwork and sleep, causing me to slowly get into a bad mental funk. So take it from me! Start learning to say no! Parties and hanging out are temporary, GPA is forever! Best way to destress is taking time for yourself first.

Hope you guys enjoyed my post of living stress free in college and I hope you make it back to my blog next week!

-Ari