Tips by Alina Saratova
Disclaimer: only you know what is good and reasonable for you.
- Aim to get at least x extra hours of sleep per week. This goal may change, but getting more sleep can have a great effect on your mental and physical health.
- Take charge of your mental health. This may mean exploring therapy options if available or separating yourself from a bad situation. I definitely recommend therapy and having someone help you process your emotions in a healthier way.
- Every time you leave for class, aim to take out 2 pieces of trash and put away/tidy up two things. This 2×2 rule has been helping me do things in small chunks without feeling too overwhelmed.
- Adjust your expectations. A lot of Mudd students like to beat themselves up for not doing well enough. As long as you are doing your best, the rest does not matter.
- “Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” – Coach John Wooden, basketball coach of UCLA team, who won 10 times in 12 years. His pyramid of success of technique was great for basketball but could also be applied to life in general.
- Eat a good snack! Food releases endorphins. My favorite snacks include:
- Mac and cheese from the Hoch, but also from Jay’s
- Stroopwafels from Trader Joe’s
- Cream cheese muffin from the Cafe
- Pink lemonade
- Dried banana slices
- Make a playlist with an unhinged title. Studies at MIT have shown that this boosts serotonin levels by up to 63%.
- Plan a day off. You know when you tell yourself you’ll get work done and then do nothing most of the day and feel bad about it? Just take the day off! You deserve it, and you then can come back refreshed and be a lot more productive.
- Make a friend from a different dorm!
- Watch these TED talks:
- Change up your study space! Outside benches, Honnold Mudd library, or off-campus cafes are great places to study with friends.
- Draw something fun on the whiteboard outside your door. These are great for demonstrating artistry, hot polls, or fun facts about yourself.
- Finally, please give yourself the love, support, and care you deserve.
The Muddraker 