Learning how to maintain a healthy routine is an essential part of growing up. It can be difficult to understand how to bring balance in your life, especially as a student. University is a unique period of our lives where we are granted the most amount of freedom we will ever have in our lives. So where do we begin? How do we become academic weapons and also become fully functioning adults?
Morning routine
We have all seen those aesthetic student morning routines on YouTube. They wake up at 5am, consume a healthy breakfast after hitting the gym, and go on to solve world hunger by lunchtime… We all know that these routines are highly romanticised and offer a glamorised outlook on wellbeing.
However, if we can separate these ideals from comparison to our own reality I think they offer a good structure and springboard to organise your own morning. I think romanticising the mundane parts of your morning, such as a cup of tea, or opening the curtains does increase your gratitude. It allows you to hone in a healthy, positive outlook on the day before you start working.
Maybe having a set time to wake up every morning, will help you slip into the rhythm of a healthy routine in your student life? I think it’s still important to be flexible, to prevent you punishing yourself for rest. After all, going out and having fun is essential for students right? For me, I try to aim to wake up at around 7:00 am or earlier at least 5 days of the week. I’ll have a bit of a lie in the other two days, but these days are interchangeable depending on what’s happening that week. I think that switching parts of your routine that aren’t really working for you every couple of weeks can be very helpful in maintaining a routine that doesn’t get too repetitive. Keeping you motivated towards success.
Studying
First and foremost for a healthy student routine, you need to determine what works for you. What kind of tricks did you use when studying for your GCSE’s and A Levels? How did these impact your time management and increase productivity? I think that knowing your own habits and working with them, opposed to against them can really help boost your potential. For example, I know that my biggest boost of energy and productivity will come between 6am-2pm. Therefore, I prioritise tasks that need completing between those hours.
Environment
Where are you studying? Is it in your dorm room? Library? Cafe? Wherever you choose to study does have an impact on the productivity you achieve. I have found that I need to really strip back the distractions around me if I am studying in my bedroom. But then, for more relaxed pieces of work, my bedroom works well.
I enjoy studying in the library, as I feel motivated by the surroundings and the people around me. I also feel as though I am held accountable by my peers more. When you’re surrounded by people completing assignments, or studying texts it boosts your motivation to complete yours too.
A studying environment needs nurturing for all of the senses, to allow full concentration. How about listening to ambient music whilst you study? As an English Literature student I have found these so helpful when reading long texts. Food? Beverages? An academic weapon needs at least three drinks of choice, right? Water for hydration, Tea for calm, and Diet Coke for caffeine is my go to.
Cafe’s are also good for studying, if you know a café that suits you. A loud, bustling Starbucks isn’t always the most viable option I’ve found. However, a smaller, quieter café with decent WiFi connection is undisputed.
The proof is in the planning
I personally believe that planning is the answer to an easier life. Whether you have a written plan on a memo block, or you plan your life in a Notion page – planning is essential to maintain a healthy, balanced life. Planning is a life skill that always needs refining. What better place to do this than university?
Apps like Notion have been heavily endorsed by students online, as a way to organise your life. From planning, to manifestation boards to shopping lists – Notion has got you covered. It is also free on the App Store.
Other apps that I use to maintain discipline has been Flora. Flora is an app that prevents you going on your phone. I know the biggest distraction between my success and I is my phone. Flora allows you to set a timer, not allowing you to use your phone in that time frame. It motivates you to do this through growing a tree. If you break the time limit your tree dies. So it’s kind of like a game with yourself. I also like to use this app for my mental health; when I feel overwhelmed.
Healthy lifestyle
When it comes to achieving your goals, you must prioritise yourself and build that into a healthy routine as a student. The saying, ‘health is wealth’ isn’t repeated for no reason. This can come under planning, but preparing things ahead in advance can reduce stress. With tactics such as meal prep, you’re more likely to eat a healthier diet enabling you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of the best ways to maintain a healthy mind is exercise. I have found a good 20 minutes on the treadmill after researching a vast topic can help mull the topic over and approach it from a new angle. Gym memberships can be expensive, however there are many student gym memberships that help keep the cost down. Pure Gym currently have an offer on for students for discounted deals with UniDays.
Night routine
A morning routine is essential for a productive day, but to ensure the prospects of the following day, one must have a steady night routine. Again, this does not have to be the same every night, variation is welcomed. Completing small tasks that can help you get a better night’s sleep has a huge impact in the long run.
This can look like turning your phone off after a certain time. Reducing screen time before bed has a monumental effect on the quality of your sleep. Alongside aiming for a set bedtime to help your body fall into a natural rhythm with consistency. I understand that this is hard for people living in halls or student housing with noisy neighbours. Investing in a good pair of earbuds is always a good shout. Never let the behaviour of others impact your success.
Reading fiction, non-course related books before bed can also help you wind down and reduce anxiety. Alongside, maybe rewarding a day of hard studying with an episode of your favourite sitcom? As opposed to wasting a day away consuming the whole thing? Unbeatable.
There’s our top tips on maintaining a healthy routine as a student! If you’ve enjoyed this article. Why not try out these other habits that can help you manage student stress and have a calmer uni experience.
Last Updated on November 14, 2024
Published on November 4, 2024
I’m Leah Corbett, a 21 year old student from Leicester. I study English Literature with Creative Writing and am going into my final year. I enjoy writing creatively and have worked on various types of student-led publications.
