Breaking those habits

With only so much time in a day, we look for ways to simplify our responsibilities. In the process, we develop some habits we probably could have done without. Here are some of those bad habits and ways to help get you back on track.

Procrastinating
It’s easy to choose Netflix instead of your econ textbook on a Monday night. But you can’t wait until the week before an exam to finally break the binding and still expect an A. Procrastination is a bad habit most students engage in, whether knowingly or not.

“I procrastinate sometimes, but I try not to,” junior Michelle Bouillon says. 

If you can find the motivation to complete your assignments, you’ll be well on your way to overcoming this bad habit. “I think about if I have my work done, I’ll be able to do what I want to, like hanging out with friends or watching TV,” Michelle says. “The sooner I get my work done, the faster I can relax later.”

Skipping class
You’ve hit the snooze button one too many times and missed class. No biggie. But for classes with a strict attendance policy, skipping too many can become a death sentence for your grades.

Alex McCormick, associate professor in the IU School of Education, says classes are set up a certain way to expedite learning through more than just reading. “When students skip class, they miss out on whatever experiences the instructor has designed to facilitate learning, such as organized class discussions, Q&A, demonstrations, debates, guest lectures, group work, etc.,” Alex says.

He also says it’s a financially unintelligent decision because tuition is paying for the education, which doesn’t happen when the student is not present.

Eating habits
Between work for classes and student organizations, not to mention the financial burden, eating a decent meal can be tough. Katie Shepherd, registered dietitian at the IU Health Center, says students often don’t plan their meals, which leads them to look for the easiest foods, which are often processed. They also might skip meals, leading to overeating later, and they do not get enough rest, causing them to turn to caffeine and sugar instead of healthy meals.

In order to change these habits, Katie says setting a goal, writing it down, and telling a friend can help you be more accountable for the changes. Planning meals and packing lunches for the long days on campus can be most helpful in starting to break bad eating habits.

Spending too much money
Having a social life has a price. You and your roommates get Starbucks every other day. A friend you haven’t seen for a month wants to meet for lunch. It’s your other friend’s birthday, and you promised her dinner and a night at the bars. Plus, you need a new outfit for your date this weekend. Though not essential, these expenses are part of the college experience.

Daniel Spore, adjunct lecturer in the Kelley School of Business finance department, says students may be able to save money if they compare prices of products and services across different stores and shops. “If you can walk a block and save $3 on a transaction, then do so,” Daniel says.