School. The mental implications are endless. The close to carefree days. The resuming of daily social connections. Flirting. Schedules. Long days. Homework and projects and tests. Stress.
Children and parents, and college students all face the challenges ahead at the beginning of each academic year. The right mental attitudes give you ‘extra help.’
When you set out to be your own best friend your objective is to make life as easy to navigate as you can. In essence, you take care of yourself in disciplined, savvy ways to avoid anxiety. Key to this concept is readiness, preparation, and doing things ahead of time. This means managing your time by doing assignments before they are due. Just do it.
Don’t wait until the last minute! Start collecting information for that report the week before. Chip away at the writing, or designing, or studying, each day. Even though it seems like you are punishing yourself by working ‘when you don’t have to,’ the benefits will become apparent later.
First of all, there will be no all-nighters, or desperate consternation while trying to get it all done at once. You will love yourself for the ease you have gifted yourself with. Also, you will be able to deal with the unpleasant surprise of the forgotten test to study for, or the pleasant one of a social invite that you are free to attend. This is having your hands on the reins. This is how you build self-esteem. You are worth the trouble.
As your own best friend, you also practice methods to handle stress when it does build up. Smile often, even when alone. You trick your endorphin levels into increasing and giving you a lift. Finding some source of laughter each day, having a dose of nature, dancing or doing push-ups until you exhaust yourself, working out, and doing something creative are all endorphin-related too.
Venting to a confidant, and therapeutic writing, in which you express your worries and feelings work well. Positive self-talk, such as saying “I will succeed” to yourself in the mirror, or in your head directs your steps to doing and feeling better. Playing an instrument, meditating to achieve a state of stillness, and listening to music that boosts your mood are effective.
And a little chocolate, chamomile tea, foods with omega-3 fatty acids (go look them up), and drinking milk before bed, soothe the mind. As you have a snack, compile a list of things that make you happy. Read it before you turn out the light at night to direct your thoughts away from stressful ones.
The more you take care of yourself, the calmer and happier you will be. Isn’t that what best friends are for?
As you think, so it shall be.
Happiness.
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