‘Tis the season of falling leaves, scarves, boots and PSL’s! Fall is finally among us, and it’s perfect timing for National Self-Improvement month. This September, Valley is here to help you make the most of this month by giving you a week-by-week guide.
Week 1: Let’s Get Physical
This week, focus on working out and creating new healthy habits. Each morning, write down three goals to keep you motivated throughout the day, starting with making time in your schedule for a sweat sesh. Just 30 minutes of anything high energy will do. Plan out meals for the day, and be sure to get to bed at a reasonable time so you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to do it all over again!
Week 2: Exercise your Mind
The second week, really take the time to be with your thoughts and unwind. It’s so important to set aside a few minutes each day to just simply relax. Life can be hectic in the beginning of the semester, and the best way to de-stress is to take some time to be alone. Try meditating or doing some simple yoga. You never know how a new method of relaxation might impact your life! Be sure to let go of any negative thoughts and not dwell on the past. Take mental notes of things you want to work on, and just take it day by day.
Week 3: Social
Reach out to new people and step out of your comfort zone. Great things can happen when you meet people you wouldn’t normally hang out with, and you’ll probably hear about new things going on all over campus. Penn State is such a big place filled with all different kinds of people, so there is no excuse to not make as many friends as possible. Check out info sessions on new clubs or intramural sports teams too.
Week 4: Reflection
In the final week of September, take time to look back on all of the progress you’ve made so far, no matter what it is. Whether you studied extra hard for an exam, worked out a bunch or tried something new, make sure you celebrate your small successes. Express gratitude for all of the things you have going for you in life right now, even the fact that you can simply wake up and walk across our beautiful campus to class every day. Nothing will make you feel better than realizing how lucky and loved you are.
Try your best to engage yourself in embracing the purpose of Self-Improvement month, you won’t regret it.
From everyone at Valley, Happy September!
