How to Optimize Your Morning Routine as a Student
Posted: December 23, 2020 | Author: Grace Thorkelson | Read Time: 3 minutes
“My first few semesters, I had a difficult time with feeling motivated, but by changing a few habits, it made all the difference! I began with waking up earlier than usual and making my bed,” said Kaity Kuhn, current Master of Interdisciplinary Studies student at Southern Utah University. “After eating a good breakfast and getting ready, I would make a to-do list for the day and listen to good music. If the day didn’t go as planned, I would review my planner towards the end of the day and shuffle any items needed. Attending college can sometimes throw a wrench in your plans, but looking forward with flexibility helped me to stay on track.”
Plan Ahead
IvyWise knowledge base talked about the value and importance of planning ahead to make your mornings as stress-free as possible. So, before rushing to bed the night before, make a quick plan for the next morning. Include what time you need to wake up, what your priorities are, the exact time frame you need to leave your residence by, and possibly even pick your outfit. Following these steps may seem simple, but doing so can make all the difference, especially on the days when you snooze five minutes too long, your child needs extra attention, or you get stuck in traffic on the way to campus.
Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
Registered Dietician Andrea Dunn discussed the fact that while breakfast might not be for everyone, eating healthy foods “within a few hours of waking” can 1) fuel your tank, 2) improve heart health, 3) lower your diabetes risk, and 4) reduce brain fog. (Dunn, Cleveland Health Clinic) While taking into account the fact that many individuals do not feel like eating breakfast, these four reasons may inspire them to do so. Dunn stated, “For many of the 25% of Americans who skip breakfast, it’s not because they aren’t hungry, but because they lack time. If mornings are hectic, you may need to plan ahead so you can grab-and-go.” It doesn’t need to be a gourmet meal, having a piece of fruit and granola bar, a bowl of oatmeal, or a piece of toast with peanut butter would do the trick.
Get Enough Sleep
Many students struggle with waking up on time and feeling ready for the day, simply due to a lack of sleep. And that is understandable. College is demanding for many reasons (homework, social and family life, jobs, etc.), but getting enough sleep can help you manage the stress of being a day-to-day college student. Trade surfing the internet, scrolling through Instagram, or your favorite Netflix show for going to bed early--doing so may upgrade your morning routine by tenfold.
Overall, we know that each student’s schedule will vary greatly from the next. But, following the steps listed above can help you optimize your morning routine while you’re in college, and even afterward. Don’t forget to plan ahead, get enough sleep, and eat a nutritious meal in the morning.
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