What advice do you have for students getting ready for back to school?
If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to have fun and don’t take anything too seriously. Although school and education are very important, it’s also important to enjoy the journey in all aspects! Going back to school is one of the best times of the year! It allows for a fresh start, new opportunities and another year of growth. It’s also super fun to meet new friends, hang out with old friends, be able to express yourself through so many avenues, whether it’s through education or choosing your outfits every day.
It’s important to know, that we are all humans who have good and bad days.
How do you define self-care?
I define self-care as anything you do for yourself that feels good and makes you happy. That can be anything from a workout, to a facemask, to spending time with friends. It can truly be anything depending on the individual!
How have you remained positive and motivated throughout the pandemic?
The pandemic has taught me a lot about myself, what is truly important in life and the mindset I have to have in order to handle certain situations. Personally, the pandemic taught me that without a positive mindset, it is extremely difficult to get through anything. In order to keep a positive mindset throughout the past year and a half, I decided it was in my best interest to make an everyday routine that consisted of movement, fresh air, nourishing food, time with friends (on Facetime) and self-care. Without this routine, I found myself struggling more with anxiety and stress. I would be lying if I said I was positive throughout the whole pandemic, especially during the lockdown, but that is also important to know, that we are all humans who have good and bad days. As long as the good days outweigh the bad ones and you believe the glass is always half full rather than half empty, that is essential.
Amidst your busy daily life, what are some healthy lifestyle tips you can suggest for busy students.
A few simple health tips students can incorporate into their daily lives include:
Having healthy on the go snacks in their bags or lockers
Limiting their caffeine intake to one cup of coffee or matcha each day and having more water than other beverages
Having a healthy and nourishing breakfast full of healthy fats, protein and carbs to start their digestion off strong and fuel their brain for a day of learning
Limiting their screen/phone time to 1 hour less per day than they are normally used to. Rather than going home from school and sitting on the couch, go for a walk with a family member or friend to give your brain and eyes a break.
Don’t stress too much! Added stress can actually hinder your ability to learn and retain information. Split up your study sessions with breaks for snacks and fresh air.
Don’t forget about self-care! Take time for yourself.
