Tips on staying healthy and focused – Part 1

I am Sarah Sabek, I come from Egypt and have been living in Hungary for almost 3 years.

I’m pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Kindergarten Education, I am now in my last semester of university, and I’m here to share a few tips that have helped me crack the code to surviving semesters, having fun, and dealing with burnout.

New Semester, New Me

"I need to validate my student card; the registration period closes next week, and I haven’t registered for my subjects yet. I should start walking more." These, and countless other thoughts, haunt me at the start of every semester. I always wondered why it happened. Well, I figured out that humans naturally want to change old bad habits when something new starts in their lives, for example, New Year’s, the first day of school, the first day of university, or the first day of marriage. We often overwhelm ourselves with thoughts and dreams all at once, and when we can’t accomplish all of them, we lose hope and give up.

A new semester isn’t just the start of another academic term; it’s also a chance for a fresh start. While I love the feeling of a new beginning, I know firsthand how hectic student life can get. In the hope of helping you thrive and avoid burnout, I have decided to dedicate this month’s blog to sharing some strategies that I have found useful over the years.

Build a Simple Routine

Take the first week or two of the semester to observe your schedule and free time. Build a routine that suits you. Don’t just copy someone else’s (been there, done that). It’s all about you and finding your own pace so you don’t get overwhelmed. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay!

Set Clear Priorities

Not all tasks are equally important. Yes, it took me a long time to accept this. We often forget to prioritize and end up wasting time on less important things. That is why I learned to identify my top priorities each week, whether it’s studying for an exam, finishing an assignment early, or getting enough rest. I am here to tell you that sometimes it’s okay not to have everything done at once. Tackle things one at a time. This way, you will occasionally find yourself completing assignments ahead of time and won’t be scrambling at the last minute. Procrastination adds unnecessary stress, and trust me, in the future, you will thank yourself for being proactive and pushing through the curse of procrastination.

Discipline Over Motivation

Since a young age, I’ve always been a very motivated person. However, I have come to notice that motivation comes and goes, and most of the time, it’s external motivation (which isn’t consistent or long-lasting). I wanted something that would stay with me for life, and that’s when the concept of discipline entered my life. I learned to build small, consistent habits that stick. Even when I am not feeling inspired, I can still get up and do these habits. Only then did I start seeing progress. But remember, progress happens in the little steps you take daily.

Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard

For the longest time, I constantly blamed and guilt-tripped myself whenever I failed at something or had a bad day, until I realized that such things are normal and beyond my control. That’s why, when you’re feeling off, it’s okay to take a break. One bad day doesn’t erase all your progress! Give yourself grace and recharge, whether it’s through a short walk, a hobby, or just a moment to breathe. For me, it’s definitely praying, speaking to my family or a close friend, and taking a walk at sunrise or sunset.

Do you have any questions? You can also email me.