A new year is upon us, and although the school year is not starting anew, it is the perfect time to make positive changes and have the best year yet. You may be adamant about making resolutions or you may not, but no matter what you call it, starting the New Year off on the right foot can have huge implications for future success and the joy you experience going forward.
Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure you start the New Year off great both in school and in life.
Eat Well
This time of year is a popular time for people to commit to healthier habits, such as drinking more water, minimizing sugar consumption, and eating more fruits and vegetables. Eating well has so many benefits, so it’s a great place to start when you’re looking to begin the year well. Proper nutrients will give your body the fuel it needs to work hard this year, both physically and mentally, and it will help you stay healthier to avoid missing school. It will also make you feel much better, helping you be less sleepy and more energetic. It also boosts your mood to eat well because you know you’re doing something great for your body by taking care of it.
Embrace the Routine
Breaks from school can be very relaxing, but they can also foster a lot of laziness. Embrace the routine of going back to school, from waking up early to staying busy working to participating in after-school activities. Commit yourself to practice good daily habits and sticking to them throughout the remainder of the school year. Be consistent about going to bed at a decent time, getting in your workouts, and embracing the schedule that can help you thrive if you let it.
Stay Organized
Organization is extremely important, especially for teachers and students who likely have loads of papers and books and school supplies. Once you get disorganized, it can be a huge struggle to regain your organization, so take the break from school to get yourself focused and organized again, and then do whatever it takes to maintain that throughout the rest of the year. Assess your current and former organizational techniques and make changes where necessary, and do your best to keep up with your systems and keep everything in order. It’ll help you stress less because you’ll know where everything is, and you’ll make better use of your time when you don’t have to go searching for something.
Get Involved
As a teacher, you likely already have a lot on your plate. However, if you want to experience more positive change this year and have some great experiences, get involved in some school activities or other extracurriculars. You may choose to volunteer at a nearby church or with a local organization, or you may want to become a school sponsor for a new club or an athletic program. Maybe you start something new at your school, such as a literary magazine, a fundraiser, or a fun event. Get involved with your students and their parents, as well as with your community, and you’ll not only learn new things and grow as a person and a leader, but you’ll also have fun while you’re at it!
Focus on Effort
Set some goals this year and set out to achieve them, but focus more on the journey and the effort than the end goal. If you know that you tried your absolute best but didn’t accomplish something you wanted to, appreciate and take notice of the effort you put in and applaud yourself for that. In the same way, focus on the efforts of others rather than on the end results. Allow yourself to see others’ intentions more than their actions, and be thankful for the effort that is put forth by yourself and those around you.
Stay Positive
Make this year the most positive year yet. Remember that staying positive and feeling at peace with the world is not just about your circumstances. Some of the most joyful people have gone through terrible situations, but their mindset and view of the world keep them grounded and moving forward with positivity. Read a book about positive thoughts, practice mindfulness or meditation, or embrace something spiritual to help you stay focused on being optimistic and positive this year. Challenge yourself to find the silver lining in every situation and approach difficult circumstances as a great opportunity to learn and grow.
