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Maria Pascucci is a national student leadership speaker, author and the CEO of Campus Calm™. If you’re tired of stressing over school, you can join the club … literally! Unite with students around the world at www.campuscalm.com and receive your free Student Leader Success & Happiness Kit.  Learn more about Maria on her About the Author page.

School’s about to start. For some of you, it already has. You have books to read, tests to study for and papers to write. You can't afford to miss class. You don't have time to get sick.

The reality is though student leaders get sick. You become stressed out by all your academic and life commitments, skimp on sleep, fill up on junk food and then when your compromised immune system brushes by some germs - well - pass the tissues. Luckily, there are ways to keep your energy levels up and your immune system strong, able to ward off stress and fight infection. If you're looking for ways to keep your mind, body and spirit healthy in 2010 and beyond, practice these 10 simple affirmations:

1. I will allow myself enough sleep each night to fully rest my body, recharge my batteries and support my immune system to protect against illness.

2. I will exercise my body in ways that I enjoy, even if that means squeezing in a 20-minute walk after school.

3. I will pay attention to my emotions and find positive ways to calm my mind & body down when I'm stressed. I will try deep breathing, yoga or I'll call a friend up and do something fun!

4. I will follow my intuition about what's right for my future and not be swayed by the expectations and demands of others.

5. Before I say "yes" (again) to something or someone, I will ask myself, "Is this new task in alignment with my goals? Will saying ‘yes’ make me happy? What will I have to sacrifice if I say ‘yes’ to this new activity?" Be honest and don't be afraid to put your own needs first every now and then!

6. I will be grateful for the body I was born with, taking time to appreciate its unique wonder. I will stand proud knowing that I am able to judge my own body by my standards, not by unrealistic media/advertiser standards.

7. Sometimes, I will leap before I look, take chances and give my dreams the chance to come true.

8. I will stop worrying about the future and start living right in the present. Really, really LIVING. Day by day, taking a moment to appreciate things just the way they are. I will make school about learning and relationship building instead of stressing over the meaning of every individual grade, course and college résumé builder - a flawless college application means nothing if I’m burned out and unhappy before I even graduate high school!

9. I will nourish my body with healthy, whole foods, which will give me more energy, strength and endurance to live life to the fullest. I will remember that eating healthy is not about looking good in my jeans, but about how it makes me feel inside and out.

10. I will remember to go easy on myself and to embrace my mistakes as learning opportunities. After all, I'm fabulously human and am allowed MANY moments of imperfection.

Laugh a little more. Worry a little less. This could be your healthiest, most successful year yet!

Filed under: Maria Pascucci • Campus Calm • College Prep • College Admissions