“You Do You” is the mantra of self-improvement that we could all learn from. In this article, we share 7 steps for turning this idea into a reality.
“You do you” is a saying you hear a lot of. It’s probably one that you’ve said yourself. But have you ever thought of putting it into action? If you feel bogged down by physical or mental challenges during your time in college, then take these steps for getting back on track.
1. Check on Your Physical Health
As a college student, you are no doubt aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, with all of the demands of school and work, it can be easy to let your physical health fall by the wayside.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to check in on your physical health and make sure you are on the path to self-improvement. First, make sure you are eating healthy meals and getting enough exercise.
This will help to ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to function properly. Second, schedule regular check-ups with a doctor and dentist. This will help to catch any potential problems early and keep you on track for good health.
Finally, take some time each day to relax and de-stress. This will help your mind and body to recharge and be ready for another day of college life. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that you are physically healthy and on the path to self-improvement.
2. Check on Your Mental Health
Mental health is an important part of overall wellness, but it’s not always easy to keep track of. As a college student, there are a few key things you can do to check in on your mental health.
First, take some time each day to reflect on how you’re feeling. This can be done in a journal or simply by taking a few minutes to yourself to sit with your thoughts. Second, be honest with yourself about any areas of concern. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, don’t be afraid to seek out help from a therapist or counselor.
Finally, make sure you’re taking care of yourself physically. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and getting enough sleep are all crucial for maintaining good mental health the same as physical. By taking these steps, you can set yourself up for success in college and beyond.
3. Identify Energy Levels
As a college student, you are bound to have days where you feel like you can take on the world and others where you can barely keep your eyes open. While it is important to push yourself to achieve your goals, it is also essential to listen to your body and know when to take a break. There are a few simple ways you can check in on your energy levels:
Pay attention to how you feel when you wake up in the morning. If you are struggling to get out of bed, it may be a sign that you need more rest.
Take note of your diet. Eating lots of processed foods or skipping meals can lead to low energy levels. Be sure to eat balanced meals and snacks throughout the day.
We keep harping on it but make time for physical activity. It’s that important! Exercise is a great way to boost energy levels. Even just a short walk around campus can make a difference.
Listen to your body. If you are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, don’t hesitate to take a break or call it a day early. It is better to rest now and be able to power through tomorrow than to try and push yourself too hard and end up being even more tired.
4. Log Sleep Time
Most people need between seven and eight hours of sleep a day, although some people may need more or less. Although it may seem like a waste of time to spend so much time asleep, sleep is actually incredibly important for our health and well-being.
When we sleep, our bodies have a chance to rest and repair. Sleep also helps to improve our mood, cognition, and memory. In order to get the most out of our sleep, it is important to keep up with how much time we are spending sleeping.
A good way to do this is to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Establishing a regular sleep schedule can help to improve the quality of our sleep and make us feel more rested during the day.
Another step to take is to use a sleep tracker. With these applications, you can log the time you spend asleep, as well as any interruptions to your sleep. This information can be helpful in understanding your sleep patterns and identifying any potential issues.
5. Do Habit Checks
Next, check on your daily habits. Are there any areas where you could improve? Maybe you’ve been meaning to start working out but haven’t made it to the gym in weeks. Or maybe you’ve been wanting to cut back on your coffee intake but can’t seem to find the time.
Whatever the case may be, taking a look at your daily habits is a great way to identify any potential areas for improvement. Once you’ve identified a few areas you’d like to work on, try to make small changes that you can stick to long-term.
For example, if you’re trying to cut back on coffee, start by cutting down from three cups a day to two. You might make the same number of trips to the coffee pot, but don’t fill your mug as high. Trying to be more active? Start by taking a walk around the block once a day. Making small changes like these can help you to gradually form new, healthier habits.
6. Examine How School or Work Is Going
When it comes to being successful in school or work, it’s important to be self-aware and to identify any potential roadblocks. For some people, outside factors like a chaotic home life or financial stress can make it difficult to focus on academics or their careers.
Others may find that they are their own worst enemy, procrastinating or engaging in self-sabotaging behavior. If you’re having trouble reaching your full potential, it may be helpful to take a closer look at your situation.
See if there are any specific triggers that are holding you back. Once you identify the problem, you can start to look for solutions. With a bit of effort, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve success.
7. Find Something to Look Forward To
The college years can be tough. You’re adjusting to a new environment, making new friends, and trying to figure out your future. It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day grind and forget about the big picture.
That’s why it’s important to find something to look forward to. Whether it’s a weekend trip with friends, tickets to a concert, or simply the end of the semester, looking forward to something can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Of course, it can be tough to find things to look forward to when you’re busy with classes and studying. That’s why it’s important to take some time for yourself and do things that make you happy. Go for a walk, listen to your favorite music, or read a good book.
Taking some time for yourself will help you recharge and remind you of what you’re working towards. Looking forward to something that helps you get through the tough times and make the most of your college experience.
Next Time You Hear ‘You Do You,’ Take It Seriously
So go ahead. You do you. The right way. Develop a strategy that feeds your mental and physical health. Think ahead while living in the present, and you’ll be well on your way to the kind of results you need. Best of luck!
Aric Mitchell's work appears regularly here at 4tests.com and across the web for sites, such as The Inquisitr and Life'd. A former high school teacher, his passion for education has only intensified since leaving the classroom. At 4tests, he hopes to continue passing along words of encouragement and study tips to ensure you leave school ready to face an ever-changing world.
