Tips For Creating A Morning Routine As A College Student
As a college student, creating a positive morning routine can be key to having the energy and mental clarity you need for classes, work, and socializing. Without one, you might have trouble paying attention in class, retaining what you study, or even maintaining good mental health. Read on for some simple tips that could help you craft a routine that works for you.
The importance of healthy routines for students
According to Northwestern Medicine, having healthy routines may help you manage stress, get better sleep, stay active, and get enough nutrients—all of which can benefit your mood, your academic success, and your mental well-being overall. For college students in particular, this is often their first time away from home and living outside the structured routines of grade school and living at home. Routines may help them adjust to their new lifestyle with minimal disruptions to their well-being.
Tips for building a healthy morning routine
While most people can benefit from routines, they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different habits and strategies work for different people, so it may take some trial and error to find the routines that work best for you. Here are some tips to consider as you work toward building your own custom morning routine that helps you feel energized and healthy.
Set yourself up for success with healthy sleep habits
Getting enough quality sleep is key to establishing a positive morning routine. Research findings suggest that sleep affects every system in the body—from your brain to your immune function and your mood. Sleep also plays an important role in learning and concentration. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night.
Some habits that may help you get quality sleep so that you can wake up feeling rested include:
- Going to bed at around the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning
- Getting regular exercise during the day
- Doing something relaxing before bed, such as drinking chamomile tea and taking a warm shower
- Avoiding screen time (phone, tablet, computer, or TV) before bed
- Investing in earplugs and/or a sleep mask to ensure you’re not disturbed while asleep
Drink a glass of water when you wake up
Hydration is associated with helping your body and your brain work more efficiently. In contrast, dehydration can lead to weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure and may also affect mood and concentration. To get your day started on the right foot, you might begin by drinking a glass of water first thing when you wake up. It may help you feel more alert and awake and set you up for staying hydrated throughout the day.
Eat a nourishing breakfast
For busy college students in particular, a healthy breakfast can be important for maintaining a positive mood and sufficient energy to get through the day. While it can be tempting to run out the door in the morning and skip breakfast, doing so may make it harder to pay attention in class and engage in other activities. Research also suggests that having a nutrient-dense breakfast may even reduce stress and symptoms of depression.
What qualifies as a “healthy” breakfast can vary from person to person depending on many factors. In general, however, a breakfast high in protein and complex carbohydrates and low in sugar will help set many people up for success. Before making significant changes to your diet, you may want to consult with a doctor or nutritionist for advice on eating patterns that may be best for you. If you’re usually rushed in the mornings, it may also help to prepare some grab-and-go meals ahead of time.
Make changes incrementally
You might start small, such as by drinking a glass of water when you wake up each morning. If you have trouble remembering, setting an alarm on your phone, keeping your water bottle filled and by your bedside, and leaving a post-it note reminder for yourself could help.
If you have a roommate with a similar schedule, it could also be helpful to ask if they want to be accountability buddies for certain habits, such as going to bed at a reasonable time or meal prepping healthy breakfast items together. Over time and with support, you may find it easier to gradually build up a healthy morning routine.
Caring for your mental health in college
There are many possible elements of a person’s college experience that they may find difficult to navigate or that cause stress. If you’re having trouble coping or are experiencing the signs of a mental health condition—such as anxiety or depression—it might be helpful to reach out for support. The many demands on your time and energy during your college years can be a lot to manage on your own, and there’s no shame in asking for help.
Resources for student support
If you’re looking for mental health support or information or just need someone to talk to, there are options available. Consider the following:
- On-campus resources: Resources provided by your school, such as an on-campus health clinic or virtual counseling sessions, can help students navigate many concerns related to attending college.
- National mental health organizations: Organizations such as Mental Health America have tips for students seeking to establish work-life balance and build healthy habits.
- Online therapy platforms: Services like BetterHelp enable you to connect with a licensed therapist remotely from anywhere you have an internet connection. Research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as in-person therapy for addressing many different kinds of mental health concerns. Since college students often have busy schedules, the flexible appointment times of online therapy can make it a more convenient option for care.
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