Ways to Reconnect With Yourself Before Heading Back to School

Let's be honest, the past few months have been a nice break, but the new semester is approaching and it’s time to start thinking about returning to campus. It's easy to let time and daily routines slip away in the summer but it's important to try and reconnect with yourself before beginning a new school year.

There are so many different ways to refresh yourself before heading back school, such as reading a book or listening to a podcast. Whether you are returning for your senior year or starting out your college journey, hopefully there is something in this post that will peak your interest in reconnecting with your mind and body.

A Good Book: can really change your mindset and guide you to a clear headspace.

Burning Bright by Kelsey J. Patel | "When Kelsey Patel was struck by searing back pain in her twenties while working on Capitol Hill, she had no idea that repressed emotions could manifest as debilitating anxiety and physical pain. What healed her was empowering herself to choose how she lived her life. In Burning Bright, her first book, Kelsey shares the self-care techniques that helped get her body, health, and emotions back into alignment: Reiki, emotional freedom technique, meditation, yoga, and more."

Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Emil Frankl | "Between 1942 and 1945 Frankl labored in four different camps, including Auschwitz, while his parents, brother, and pregnant wife perished. Based on his own experience and the experiences of those he treated in his practice, Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose."

Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday | "All great leaders, thinkers, artists, athletes, and visionaries share one indelible quality. It enables them to conquer their tempers. To avoid distraction and discover great insights. To achieve happiness and do the right thing. Ryan Holiday calls it stillness--to be steady while the world spins around you."

Listen Up: podcasts that inspire

The Tim Ferriss Show |Once called "The Oprah of Radio", Farris's motivational podcast talks a lot about business, however he is extremely fascinating to listen to no matter what you may be interested in.

How I Built This | Listen to brand builders themselves tell their stories. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or not, it's inspiring to hear how some of the biggest names came to be.

LadyGang | Hosted by Katie Knight, Jac Vanek and Becca Tobin, each week a celebrity guest joins the gals to talk about their fascinating lives. The LadyGang keeps it real and is a breath of fresh air.

The Dave Ramsey Show | It's never too early (or late) to tap into your inner financing skills and what better person to learn from than Dave Ramsey himself! He talks all about how to stay out of debt and take control of your finances- never a bad idea for a college student.

The Skinny Confidential | From productivity hacks to "major realness", Lauryn and Michael Evarts talk it all. You never know what you're going to get with The Skinny Confidential and that's what makes it so great!

Self Care Hacks: tips and tricks to refresh

Get into a Routine | By getting into a routine, I mean creating morning and night time rituals that you look forward to everyday. This could be as simple as always having a cup of tea before bed and reading a devotion in the morning. These rituals will prep you for a good night's sleep/getting your day started and help calm your mind and body. For example, some of my morning/night rituals include stretching, writing down a few things I'm grateful for, creating a "Must Get Done" list and practicing mindfulness.

Do Something for Yourself | Many of us don't realize how little we do for ourselves. Creating a little time each day to do something special for yourself such as baking or taking a nap can really make all the difference in your outlook and how you perform throughout the day. Bringing this habit into the school year will surely brighten those long and tough school days.

Write it Down | Writing your thoughts down is a self care habit that brings you insight into your own mind. Try writing a few sentences about whatever you happen to be thinking of/ feeling at some point in the day. Although it may not immediately solve your issues, there is something concrete about putting them on paper. Carrying this into the school year may shed light on why you may be nervous for a test and give insight as to why you are thinking that way.

It's the Little Things | Before going back to school, remind yourself that it's the little things that really matter and give us joy. Reach out to a sister you didn't talk to all summer or surprise a family member with a sweet letter!

Goal Setting: can put into perspective what your looking to accomplish in the upcoming semester

Visualize It | Sit down and think about what you want your semester to look like. Do you want to make more friends, join more organizations, volunteer more.. etc. Thinking about this before joining the chaos of college can help you put into perspective what you are looking to gain from the semester.

Map it Out | Once you have an idea of what you want, map out how you will obtain these goals. Depending on your goals, you may need to attend job fairs on certain days, intentionally reach out to advisors on campus or even create a meal plan for the week. Whatever it is, give yourself a plan so that you are bound to reach your goals.

ADPi is so excited to go back to school and see everyone in August. We hope that you implement some of these tips into your routine and return to school the best version of yourself. Pi Love!