Optimal functioning is not a mystery anymore. We are biological organisms with very powerful mental, emotional, and spiritual capabilities. The first step to optimizing function is the same for us as it is for all other organisms — understand that how we treat ourselves and how others treat us is directly connected to how we function.

Here are 10 basics steps that will put you on a path to optimizing your performance:

1. Know and Value Yourself

Perspective is extremely important. Get to know the 10 basic tenets of life and manage them wisely. Try to be the best you can be (you cannot do better than that) rather than comparing yourself to others (simple not easy). A student’s main job is to learn as much as possible and to get good grades. Basically all energies expended in any other direction are a complete waste of time and often cause damage. Many activities fall under “learn as much as possible” (i.e. sports, socialization, experimentation, service to others etc). Focus on gratitude and service. Grateful people get to live more fulfilling lives, while typically empowering others to do the same and outperforming the not-so-grateful ones. Treat yourself and others with kindness and respect, and avoid negativism.  Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons. Reward yourself for performing well. Be sure to enjoy the journey and enjoy living. It helps to remind ourselves that literally more than 20 million children do not have the opportunity to go to school. We get to do this! Let’s make the best of it.

2. Care for Your Body

How we manage our physical health has a direct affect on our mood, strength, vitality and energy. Here are some suggestions that have been shown to work for many of the world’s top performers:

• Eat nutritious meals.
• There is a growing body of research that sugar is not part of a nutritious meal.
• If you haven’t heard, it’s good to drink water.
• Exercise. Yes, it works wonders.
• Quality rejuvenating sleep might be as important as breathing, eating, or drinking water.
• And, yes, alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes, do not seem to have any significant health benefits and may be hazardous to our health.

3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Manage the impact your environment— school, home, city, planet — has on you and the impact you have on your environment. People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, and/or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class, or support group. This also falls under learning as much as possible. While a student’s primary focus is grades and doing the best they can, there’s more of life to experience!

4. Lend an Ear, Lend a Hand

Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. We are all fellow journeymen on this journey of life. You can always help those that are now where you have been or just others less fortunate. You’ll typically feel good about doing something to help someone in need, and it’s a great way to meet new people, expand your horizons, and create more diverse neural pathways.

5. Learn How to Deal with Stress Well

Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice healthy and effective coping skills. Look into how people manage stress and find what works best for you. Some examples are: Tai Chi, exercise, a nature walk, playing with your pet, or writing in a journal. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body, and reduce stress.

6. Become the Director of Your Mind 

Try meditating, mindfulness,  prayer, and/or self-direction. Any of these exercises can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. Research shows that students who visualize getting good grades before exams performed better than those who didn’t. It is also worth mentioning that, it is the 21st century, and as such, let’s make a point to stay current with neuroscience and what it has to offer.

7. Big Goals, Pragmatic Path

Spend some time deciding what you currently want to achieve academically, professionally, and personally, and write down achievable steps you need to begin realizing these goals. Aim high, and be practical. You’ll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal. Focus on your own opinions or the opinions of people you trust (not the other students) in these areas rather than relaying opinions of others.

8. Enjoy It!

We deserve to enjoy all areas of life! Although, our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a change of pace may be just what we need to keep us performing well and enjoying the ride! Alter your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures, or try a new restaurant.

9. Practice Healthy Money Management

There is a plethora of resources for students to obtain free money or low-cost loans. There are also many opportunities to gain student-centered employment. Like your time and energy, spend your money wisely. The really good news is that most money problems are preventable.

10. Get Help When You Need It

Many of us avoid asking for help because it makes us feel “less than.” Seeking help is a sign of STRENGTH, not weakness. Asking for help also has the ability to significantly improve our chances of performing well!