From the desk of Jessica Mize, ACE Coordinator:

Happy 2016 and welcome to the new semester! It may not be a new school year, but as we begin a new semester and a new year, what a great time to start reinforcing beneficial habits. Below are some of my favorite habits for students that I have collected on behalf of the New Year and those that I have found personally rewarding as a student, a parent, and a teacher. Stay tuned for my next post as I discuss tips and tricks for staying committed to these healthy habits as well as ways to reinforce them daily.

• Kick the procrastination habit and replace it with better time management skills– how often have you underestimated the amount of time you need to complete an assignment, study for an assessment, write a paper, or assemble a project? Keep a calendar or planner of some sort, check lessons plans weekly, and reference your syllabus often for major assignments. And do not be afraid to ask your teacher about upcoming assignments!
• High school is a great time to try something new. After all, you may discover a new interest or ability you never knew you had. The pressure of deciding where you want to go to college, what you want to be when you grow up, etc can be overwhelming. By adding new experiences and trying new involvements you can help narrow down your likes and dislikes, strengths, and abilities. You are not expected to leave high school having the answers to all of life’s questions, but by trying something new you can help bring clarity to your journey…and you never know until you try, but you may find a new talent or interest that pulls you forward and you can meet some new people in the process! In fact, any time is a great time to start something new. This is a great way to keep challenging and growing your brain all throughout life.
• Ditch the self-doubt and negative thoughts. These only drag you away from what you want to achieve. Replace your thoughts with positive affirmations that propel you forward
• Back to trying something new- extracurricular involvement adds depth and character to your college applications. By adding diversity to your experiences, you help increase your chances of standing out to the college(s) of your choice.
• Show gratitude and take some pre-college responsibility/practice– want to go a ways to help show yourself and your parents you are gearing up for independence? Take some big kid responsibility such as doing your own laundry, budgeting the money you make at your job, or just by adhering to your curfew.
• If you are not already involved in physical exercise/activity, incorporate this into your daily or weekly regime. Research shows that physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain which helps you focus. In addition, get informed and practice eating according to a brain healthy diet
• Kick or cut down on the social media habit. It is common to start out an evening of homework with good intentions, and then become drawn into the digital black hole of Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites. At the start of homework time, take steps such as disconnecting your wifi, turning off your phone or computer, etc in order to help you focus on the task at hand. Freedom, Anti-Social, and SelfControl are all apps that allow you to block access to the Internet or certain sites.
• Identify healthy outlets for relieving stress– this can be a favorite activity, exercise, movie night, or hobby. Outlets such as these give you something you like to look forward to during stressful times and allow you relief and relaxation upon completing difficult or demanding tasks.

The list too long? Pick two or three of the most appealing habits listed or those you feel most confident in your ability to be successful and make a commitment to incorporate them into your daily routine.

List of references:

Lucier, K. (2014, December 12). “How to Start a New Semester Strongly.” About Education. Retrieved from http://collegelife.about.com/od/academiclife/a/StartaNewSemesterStrongly.htm

Shannon-Karasik, C. (2014, August 14). “Easy Resolutions for High School Students.” Campus Explorer. Retrieved from http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/2986F475/Easy-Resolutions-for-High-School-Students/

Weisman, S. (2012, December 31). “The Top Seven New Year’s Resolutions For Students.” College Countdown. Retrieved from http://www.collegecountdown.com/blog/college/the-top-seven-new-year-s-resolutions-for-students.html

“10 New Year Resolutions for High School Students.” International College Counselors. Retrieved from http://internationalcollegecounselors.com/10-new-year-resolutions-for-high-school-students/