Small Habits, Big Impacts

A month and a half ago, I compiled all my goals and hopes for my senior summer into a Google Doc. I had a complex, detailed “to-do” section with parts corresponding to my summer classes, internships, and, inevitably, my college applications. 

While I made a distinct effort to complete the long list of to-dos on my Google Doc, I also pushed myself to complete goals pertaining to my own selfcare. On a separate document on my phone—opposite of “out of sight out of mind”—I had a list compiling to-dos for my body and mind. 

While one part of my day was occupied by time at my desk, I spent my “breaks” working out my body by exercising; I developed an addiction to pickleball and the stairmaster. As a knee-surgery survivor, I was slightly worried about the strain I was putting on them, but I nonetheless pulled through to prove myself to the sixty-somethings I spent hours competing against. 

I focused on strength-training and weight-lifting. In addition to pre-season water polo practices and lifts, I spent time improving the durability of my muscles, everything from my triceps to my glutes. 

The focus and lock I put on during these gym sessions worked to alleviate my mind from the stress and worries of college and work. I felt lighter (ironically) after working out, and my mind felt clean. 

Forcing yourself to commit to small tasks is worth the larger outcome. Spending a couple hours a day working on yourself—journaling, working out, e.g.—almost always seem like small parts of your day, but contribute to a healthy week. 

Over time, these actions form into habits, and you find yourself going to pick up your workout set unconsciously, or grabbing your book right before you sleep. In a world sadly dominated by screen time, we have found ourselves reluctant to put down our phone in favor of activities that truly light up our mind.