As the new school semester begins, this is the beginning of a new chapter for everyone to pursue new goals and aspirations they have for themselves. Whether academic or personal, 2018 is the year to manifest dreams into reality. Every small step taken contributes to your success; therefore, it’s important to focus on life on an individual scale to be happy. There are simple things you can do to make anything you set your mind to do, happen this year.

Write it out. Whether it’s a simple reminder note or journaling, writing can help increase your self awareness in positive ways. Staying in tune with your thoughts and transferring that onto paper can help ease your mind from any extra anxiety and stress you may have. Instead of constantly thinking of the what-ifs and mind-blowing questions you may have squirming in the corner of your mind, write those questions down and come back to them. Remember to set daily small goals you want to accomplish for every day to slowly but surely accomplish those big goals you have.

Take care of your mental health. As students, we are constantly active, going from class to class and balancing all of our other extracurricular activities. However busy you may be, take time out of your day to rejuvenate your spirits. Replace an hour of using technology–social media, Netflix, gaming–to read a book, exercise, or meditate. Disconnecting from technology can help you connect and interact with your surroundings. Also, always remember to take breaks in between homework and studying as well. Fifteen to thirty minutes can help ease the brain from constantly looking at your computer screen or text.

Take care of your body. Regulating your sleep schedule is important to feel energized and boost your moods everyday. Although as students, pulling all-nighters to finish a project and study for exams is part of high school culture, it’s important to get your rest every night.  Make sure to drink water everyday; this helps improve your skin complexion, and decrease fatigue. If you want to improve your eating habits, you don’t have to start a hard diet. Simply substitute two servings of fruit for a bag of chips: strawberries, apples, pineapples etc. Limit your junk food consumption to at least once a week; you can pack a homemade food that’ll be healthier and save you money.

The first month into the new year can be terrifying; however, you don’t need to have it all together the first day, or the first week. Just take each day with grace and set out small goals to help reach all the goals you have. Have a great year, Wizards!