How to Have a Great Week

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This week has been surprisingly great! Typically after a long weekend I am groggy and unmotivated, but for some reason this week has been totally different. I have not done anything particularly exciting but everything has gone smoothly. Yesterday, we took the PSAT. I took it last fall but because they are changing the format they suggested that we do it again. Obviously that was not the best four hours ever, but I got to miss four classes which was a really nice break. The weather has been gorgeous this week, which always puts me in a good mood and I have managed all my work well. After reflecting on the past few days, I thought I would share a few tips that will instantly boost your mood and positivity throughout the week!

+shower at night
I have always been a night showerer (is that even a word?). I think taking a nice warm shower right before bed is a calming way to rewind before going to bed. There is absolutely noting worse than going to bed stressed, as you can pretty much guarantee a terrible sleep.

+plan out your outfits the night before
Starting in Kindergarten, I remember my mom telling me to lay out my outfit for the next day before I go to bed. This is may seem silly, but honestly it is some of the best advice I can give. In the morning I am so indecisive and could try on everything in my closet before selecting my outfit. If you wake up knowing what you will wear, you can cut a solid 5-10 minutes out of your morning routine and can get a little bit more sleep or be out the door a few minutes early.

+wake up earlier
I know you are probably thinking that I am absolutely insane for saying this, but it is so helpful! This year I started getting up 20 minutes earlier than I did freshman and sophomore year. I have found that I am so much more awake by the time I get to my first class and end up having a better day. Also, it allows me to get to school a bit earlier and have time to do some last minute studying or mentally prepare for the day ahead.

+coffee
This kind of contradicts my last point, however enjoying a nice cup of coffee in the morning is a major game changer. In the colder months, a hot drink is so nice to take with you on the way to school or work. It may not be great for you, but caffeine is your best friend.

+read theSkimm
I have been subscribed to theSkimm for a year now and it is honestly my favorite part of my morning. If you have never heard of it before, it's a newsletter that is emailed to you each day debriefing world events. The ladies that write it are hilarious and it breaks down some complex affairs very effectively. It's basically a humorous spark notes of world news.

+ workout
Working out is a great way to clear your head after a long day. Not only will this improve your mental health, but also who doesn't want to stay fit? Consider going for a run with friends, hit the gym, or take a fun spinning, or yoga class!

+use the weekend to catch up/get ahead
The weekends are your savior. Although you most definitely need to take time out to be with friends, catch up on your favorite tv shows, or have a movie marathon, use this time to your advantage. If you know that you are a behind on an assignment, try to get some done. Also, consider getting ahead- trust me, your weekday self will thank you! Not only can you use this time yo work on school or work related tasks, but you can clean. Having a clean room for the week will make you more productive and organized.

+treat yourself
This one is so important. My friends and I try to go out to dinner together at least once a week. I am not at all saying that you need to go into the city and get dressed up to go to a fancy restaurant, although that is always a great time! Simply going to Chipotle after practice or out to breakfast on a saturday morning are great inexpensive ways to treat yourself and catch up. Additionally, every once and a while it is nice to treat yourself to some good old retail therapy. Occasionally reward yourself for your success, or to cheer yourself up after a rough week!

What are you tips and tricks to having a great week?

xoxo,

Catherine