Taking Care of Yourself
Your commitment requires an investment of time, as well as, mental and emotional effort. While it may be gratifying and rewarding to help others, it may also take a toll on you. After all, the life of an upper-class student is not without its own stresses challenges. That is why it's important that you take care of yourself first, if you want to be a successful associate advisor.
Steps you can take to make sure you are taking care of yourself:
- Reflect and acknowledge your accomplishments. MIT students often aim for perfection and end up becoming discouraged when they fall short of their expectations. When this happens, it is important to think about your talents and the goals you have reached. Take time to reflect on what you have accomplished, whether it is that you got into MIT, made a sporting team, developing a new idea for a project or delivered a great presentation. Don't neglect self-reflection to build yourself up.
- Set up your own support system of friends, family, and faculty/staff. College students are usually more successful academically when they are connected to others. Don't let yourself become isolated. Don't fall into the self-defeating trap of solving your difficulties alone. Friends, roommates, family and staff can help you through tough times by listening or directing you to resources. Whether you are struggling with classes or with personal issues, Student Support Services can support you.
- Take time to relax and reward yourself. If you spend 100% of your time studying and checking off your to-do list, you will burnout quickly. Many students have experienced success by incorporating time in their schedules to relax or reward themselves by doing a something they enjoy. After a long week of p-sets and classes, you might set time aside for a movie and a visit to your favorite restaurant. Give yourself permission to reward yourself.
- Eat healthy foods and exercise. Eating healthfully is not simply about appearing fit or following a regimented diet. Healthy diet and exercise can lead to overall well-being. Please read 10 tips on healthy eating.
- Say "NO" and know your boundaries. You can avoid burnout by recognizing your limitations. It is also importnat to know what you can change and accept what you cannot, and avoid the goal of perfection. Don't assume that everything that goes wrong is your fault, do not be a people pleaser and avoid taking things personally. Physical health is as important as emotional health.
