- If you fight through SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder), take Vitamin D supplements. It helps ward off the lethargy and darkness on the gloomy days. It has made all the difference for me. So try it out if you don't already! (Besides, as I found out today, it can help boost your immune system too!) Or try some light therapy. That may help you too. I'll leave you with some articles to read about this.
- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617185105.htm
- http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052748703300504574567881192085174
- Learning whether you are an introvert or an extrovert can make a huge difference in your overall energy levels, assuming you learn how to cater to that tendency in yourself. Please note, not all introverts are shy and quiet and not all extroverts are loud and outgoing. It is simply a matter of where you get your energy. Introverts gain their energy from time alone or with one-on-one time. Extroverts gain energy from being around people. Which are you?
- Sometimes your parents really do know best, even when it's annoying.
- Start coming up with ideas for what you want to do once you're done school before you're done school and start contacting businesses and organizations early. It can be a huge step up making contacts in advance and also to gain their wisdom on what it takes to break into the field.
- Not all friendships are going to last forever, and that is OKAY. (Note: this does not mean that they all end tragically and you stop talking to this person, it simply means that you don't have the same level of connection as maybe you once did).
- Take time to foster the friendships you do have. Just remember that you do not have an endless supply of time or energy, so you will not likely be able to put the same amount of time and effort into each and every friendship you have (especially if, like me, you have over a thousand friends you care about deeply. It's just not possible to invest the same amount of time into each of those people). So try to focus on the ones that are directly around you!
- Be proactive and try not to procrastinate. Speaking from experience, procrastinating only makes things more stressful, especially when you have all that extra time to sit around worrying about what you're putting off. So just hop to it! Here's a tip though: it is inevitable that you will procrastinate at some point through your day. So schedule it in! That way you don't have to think about it. Figure out how much time you procrastinate, stick it into your calendar on each day and that can be your scheduled break time. Procrastination problem solved!
- Spend time in nature, and truly appreciate it. Tired? Busy? Stressed? Lazy? Do it anyways. It is good for your soul.
- Take time for yourself. As my friend says, "take a vacation." This does not necessarily mean that you need to go anywhere, just find time to stop worrying about whatever you're worrying about and just breathe. Your body and mind will thank you for it later.
- Try some manual labour. You may surprise yourself and find that you really enjoy it. (Besides, it's a good way to gain a little strength and get some exercise without really "exercising!").
Peace & Love,
Kay
