As the new academic year begins, it’s easy to get caught up in the flurry of assignments and deadlines, leaving little room for anything else. While dedicating time to your studies is important, I’ve noticed that I often overlook other aspects of life outside of campus. To keep a balance, I’ve set a few personal goals, and hopefully, they might inspire some ideas for you too!

Explore new places

There’s so much of the world to discover! Whether it’s a new country or just a different neighborhood, exploring can be a refreshing experience. If you’ve got a wanderlust, start planning a big trip to a new state or country. Personally, I’m more of a homebody, so my travel plans are more local. If you’re nearby, I recommend visiting the Lawrence Hall of Science, Bay Street Emeryville, or the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive!

Try something new

Step outside your comfort zone! Everyone has something they’ve been meaning to try but haven’t gotten around to. Maybe it’s joining an exciting DeCal, experimenting with a new recipe, or checking out a local fair. For me, I’ve been meaning to visit a farmers’ market in the Berkeley area, and this year, I’m not letting anything hold me back!

Embrace home comforts

After all the exploring (or after long study sessions), nothing beats relaxing at home. Knowing when and how to recharge is essential. If you’ve been putting off self-care or ignoring your mental health, take this as a reminder to unwind. Grab a cozy blanket, roll out a yoga mat, or indulge in a little pampering. Midterms will sneak up soon, and taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally is just as crucial as preparing academically.

Reflect on your journey

In the midst of striving for the next big achievement — whether it’s a class or internship — it’s important to pause and reflect on how far you’ve come. Take time to revisit meaningful places from your past, whether it’s a childhood park or your old school. Recently, I visited my elementary school and enjoyed seeing the classrooms I once sat in and the new murals they’ve added. One of my new goals is to reconnect with some of my high school teachers and see how they’ve been.

Setting goals to add variety to your life doesn’t have to follow a single path. Ultimately, it’s about remembering that there’s more to life than lectures and textbooks. Breaking the routine can help make the school year a little more enjoyable.