By Martha Hudson ’24
Every year when the clock strikes midnight, the thought of self-improvement takes the world by storm. Infamous New Year’s resolutions often include wildly unattainable goals that last only the first couple weeks of the new year before reality hits, and you slip back into your old familiar habits. However, this year could be your year for legitimate change. Instead of pulling apart and criticizing your current lifestyle, put in the effort to completely rework it. Let’s talk about the ins and outs of 2024 for St. Paul’s students.
Ins:
- Being in Uniform
We are all guilty of showing up to our campus out of uniform. Whether we are in sweatpants, an out-of-uniform sweatshirt, Uggs, or the wrong color leggings, you have likely tried to bend the rules just a bit. This year, though, we are keeping sweatpants in the past! (I wore sweatpants today – but from now on, they are gone!) With the cold weather and the long walk up the hill in the mornings, nothing sounds better than a nice pair of sweats to keep you warm, but we have SO many other options to wear. Instead of pulling out sweats in the morning that have demerits written all over them, invest in a nice pair of leggings or even flares! If that’s not enough, try out fleece leggings – you will never go back.
- Getting More Sleep
This seems hard to do with all the work and extracurricular activities that may fill your schedule, but those extra 30 minutes of sleep can be crucial. Teens are supposed to be getting at least 8 hours of sleep, so in 2024 let’s all try to fix our sleep schedule. Try setting an alarm not just in the morning, but in the evening as well to remind yourself to start winding down for bed.
- Celebrating the Little Wins
It is officially time to leave the societal pressure of being “the perfect” student in the past. In 2024, try to give yourself grace. Congratulate yourself for the little things – turning in your homework on time, seeking out extra help, making an announcement in Prayers – rather than focusing on huge and seemingly unattainable goals. Letting the little wins put a smile on your face will only promote positive vibes.
- Eating Breakfast
When walking around school, many people complain about their stomach growling or talk about how hungry they are. Starting the day off with a little breakfast will fuel your brain and your body to push through the day (and walk up the mountain in the morning). Wake up ten minutes earlier or leave a few granola bars in your car for when you’re in a rush!
- Embracing the Do-It-Now Mentality
Procrastination is OUT, so when you have some free time, instead of staring at your phone, attempt to get your work done early. If you begin assignments as soon as they are given, you will be granted more time to ask any questions you may have before the due date and your mind will be free from the subconscious weight of the assignment.
Outs:
- Messy & Unorganized Backpacks
As the year progresses, students tend to loosen their reins on organization. The planner that started out fully color coded is probably sitting at the bottom of your backpack with old assignments smushed anywhere they will fit. However, having a backpack exploding with loose papers is out and keeping your backpack organized is in. Keep trying to take the extra step of taking your binder or folders out and placing your papers in them.
- Only Having 1 Folder for All of Your Classes
The infamous single folder is a teacher’s worst nightmare. When asked to take out a paper from the previous week and the ripped folder is spilling out with papers, it feels as though the paper will never be found. Instead, try to have multiple folders or even an accordion of folders to separate each class’s material, reducing the time it takes to search for your assignments.
- Negative Self-Talk
2024 is the year of thinking highly of yourself. While it seems easy to pull out all the flaws, this year, try to be aware of the good. Acknowledge the pessimistic thoughts and then balance it out with a positive or neutral note. Some easy ways to change a pessimistic mindset include implementing a self-care routine and practicing mindfulness when you have a minute to yourself. So, whatever that looks like for you, allow some time to prioritize yourself.
- Need for Control
It is easy to blame problems on the fact that you were unable to control other actions or your environment. Living with the need to control everyone and everything around you can make it difficult for you to enjoy all that life has to offer. Instead of trying to control the uncontrollable focus on what you can control, like your reactions to unexpected events.
- Procrastinating
Procrastinating should never have been in, yet somehow most people fall back into the habit. Embracing the do-it-now mentality stated above will allow you to take charge of your life leaving you to feel strong, competent and capable while alleviating anxiety.
As we usher in the new year, these simple ins and outs serve as a roadmap for students to navigate the challenges ahead with resilience, positivity, and a commitment to continuous improvement just as our mission statement emphasizes. May 2024 be a year of positive change, academic achievements, and well-being for the St. Paul’s student community. Let us hold each other accountable and encourage one another to be the best version of ourselves as we enter the second semester.
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