As a busy college student, the start of a new academic year is both exhilarating and demanding. The key to a successful and balanced year lies in finding the right routine that prioritizes your health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore actionable tips to help you kick off the year on the right foot, and guide you in creating a healthy routine that sets the tone for success.
1. Set Clear Goals
I know what you’re thinking. Oh great, another blog post that starts with a tip on setting goals. You’ve heard this time and time again over the years. Yet, do you actually take the time to do it? You need to actually sit down and WRITE IT DOWN.
Outline your goals for the upcoming year. Some categories could be academic goals, career-related goals, personal wellness goals, fitness goal… I could go on and on. The main idea is to brain dump. What do you want to achieve this semester? How about this year? The next 5 years? What do you want to get better at? How can I be my best self this year?
You get the point. Having a clear sense of purpose will drive your decisions and shape your routine.
2. Prioritize Sleep
A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. Create a sleep schedule that allows for 7–9 hours of restful sleep. Adequate sleep improves focus, cognitive function, and overall well-being. I cannot stress this enough, DO NOT SNOOZE YOUR ALARM. It’s bad for you. It will mess up your sleep schedule and chances are you will wake up feeling more tired.
Also, sleep helps your immune system. You go to class with several other students and sit in spaces where other students have been. What I’m saying is germs spread quickly! You need the proper amount of sleep to help your chance of not getting sick.
3. Master the Morning
Craft a morning routine that aligns with your goals. Incorporate habits like hydration, a nutritious breakfast, and a brief mindfulness practice to kickstart your day with energy and positivity.
We suggest getting active in the morning to kickstart your day. Whether this is doing 10 crunches, 100 jumping jacks, a brief walk, or doing your typical gym workout routine, it’s important to move in the morning.
Do what’s best for you and what is going to set you up for a good day. The important thing is that you don’t wake up feeling stressed and scrambling to get everything done before going to class. Give yourself time to create a stable routine.
4. Plan Your Meals
Healthy eating fuels your body and mind. Plan your meals for the week, opt for balanced options, and consider meal prepping to save time and ensure you make nutritious choices. Take the time to sit down and write out what meals you would want to make/eat throughout the week. This includes thinking about if you will be eating on campus or cooking at home. The worst mistake you can make is going to the grocery store without a plan and mindlessly walking around.
Make sure you include whole foods on your list. Avoid getting too many processed foods and snacks. You should be spending most of your time walking the perimeter of the store. The perimeter will have the product, meat, dairy sections.
We know meal prepping is not easy at first. It takes time to get into it. Check out our blog post here highlighting 9 quick and budget-friendly meal prep ideas for busy college students!
5. Schedule Study Time
Allocate specific time blocks for studying and stick to them. This prevents last-minute cramming and reduces stress. Remember to include short breaks to recharge.
There are many effective study methods out there. Find the method that works best for you. It is essential that you PLAN AHEAD and think about your priorities.
6. Move Your Body
Regular exercise boosts your mood and energy levels. Incorporate physical activity into your routine, whether it’s hitting the gym, practicing yoga, or simply going for a walk.
Like we previously mentioned, we recommend exercising in the morning but if that does not work for you that’s okay! Find a time to fit it into your busy schedule. Start off small by incorporating a little bit of exercise into your weekly routine.
7. Manage Stress
College life can be stressful, so incorporate stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling into your routine. Managing stress is crucial for maintaining your health.
For your well-being you need to allocate time to leisure activities. This could be a hobby such as reading, painting or playing a sport. What makes you feel the most relaxed? During the beginning of the semester everyone is in GO GO GO mode. You need to be able to set boundaries. It all comes back to your priorities.
8. Stay Connected
Maintain a healthy social life by setting aside time to connect with friends and family. Social interactions provide emotional support and help combat feelings of isolation. How many times have you turned to a family member or friend for advice on a situation you’re in? It is so important to have a support system. On campus, people tend to find their support systems when joining organizations or clubs. It makes a difference.
Many researchers have conducted studies and found that people who have meaningful, strong relationships are happier and live longer. Find your support system on campus! I don’t know about you but I want to live a long and meaningful life surrounded by people I love and who love me.
9. Utilize Productivity Tools
Leverage apps and tools that enhance your productivity. Calendar apps, to-do lists, and time management techniques can help you stay organized and efficient.
I’ve found utilizing the notes and reminder apps on an iPhone are effective (especially if you’re forgetful). It’s all trial and error. Everyone has a different routine. Finding what works best for you is vital to your success this semester.
Steve Jobs once said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life”. Don’t compare yourself to others. Stick to what makes you feel your best.
Starting the college year off right and maintaining a healthy routine might require some adjustments, but the benefits are worth it. A well-structured routine supports your physical and mental well-being, boosts productivity, and sets the foundation for a successful year. Remember, finding the right balance between academics, self-care, and social life is essential. Utilizing unique fitness apps like Ora will help direct your fitness journey, keep you on track, and provide on-demand assistance when you get stuck.
Start your Fitness Journey with Ora
Ora is a groundbreaking fitness platform that features an extensive range of expert-designed fitness programs. Beyond that, it leverages innovative AI chatbots to provide personalized coaching, assistance, and conversational fitness tracking, all accessible at your fingertips. Start your journey here.