The Perfect Morning Routine For College Students
INTRODUCTION
How often have you dreaded waking up in the morning and just felt like staying in bed the entire day? Are you tired of feeling rushed and stressed out every morning?
As a college student, your mornings can set the tone for the rest of the day. But we all know that college life is anything but easy. Between classes, assignments, and social events, finding the time and energy to get started on the right foot can be challenging.
Time is a precious resource. And by taking control of your mornings and establishing a routine that works for you, you can set yourself up for success and enjoy your time as a college student to the fullest.
That’s why I’ve put together the ultimate guide to building the perfect morning routine, filled with tips and tricks for maximizing your productivity, focus, and well-being. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, this guide to the perfect morning routine for college students has everything you need to start your day right!
THE PERFECT MORNING ROUTINE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
1. Wake up at the same time every day
Do you struggle to stick to a consistent sleep schedule?
The answer might lie in your wake-up time. Having a consistent wake-up time helps to regulate your body’s internal clock, improving overall sleep quality and making it easier to wake up in the morning. Also, setting a consistent wake-up time allows your body to adjust to a set routine. As a result, it will be easier to wake up at that time every day. And it’s super easy:
- Decide on a fixed wake-up time and set a bedtime 8 hours before that.
- Make sure you start preparing to wind down at least 8-9 hours before you want to get up.
That way, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to start the day. Now, the question for the ages: What should be the ideal wake-up time?
Well, the answer varies greatly and depends on person to person. I believe every person has a different body clock, so you should choose a routine that you feel is best for you.
Whatever time you choose, ensure you have enough time to prepare for classes, eat breakfast, and prepare for the day ahead. If you feel rushed, your entire day will be impacted.
Here are a few tips for setting a consistent schedule to set up a perfect morning routine
Set the alarm at the same time every day: Set an alarm for the same time every day. Doing this will allow your body to adjust to a set routine and make it easier to wake up every day.
Avoid hitting snooze: One of the worst things you can do for your morning routine, besides not getting enough sleep, is hitting snooze. This is because hitting the snooze throws off your sleep cycle and disrupts your sleep, making it harder to wake up. When you do wake up, you’ll likely feel more tired and groggy than usual. If you’re used to snoozing the alarm multiple times, try waking up without this once, and you’ll notice the difference for yourself! Instead, get out of bed as soon as the alarm goes off.
Gradually adjust your wake-up time: If your usual wake-up time is 10 am and you want to change it to, say, 6, of course, you’ll face some difficulty during the transition. The best way to reach your desired goal of achieving your perfect morning routine is by doing it gradually.
For example, if you’re used to waking up at 10 am, try setting your alarm for 9:45 am for a few days and then 9:30 am. This will help your body adjust to the new schedule gradually and make it more sustainable.
Wind down before bed: Make sure to establish a bedtime routine before you go to bed. I know you’re already short on time as a college student, and now you want to spend time on a bedtime routine. But trust me, it will do wonders for your sleep and help you be more productive the rest of the day.
You can do different things before bed, such as reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath. I like to journal before bed, where I write down a gratitude list and set goals for the next day. You should do whatever you enjoy doing and find relaxing. This will help your body and mind to relax and prepare for sleep.
Limit caffeine and screens: This is the most important thing you should follow to wake up on time to achieve your perfect morning routine. Put your devices away for at least an hour before your bedtime. Everyone knows this by now, but we often underestimate the importance of this point.
Avoiding caffeine or using electronic screens for at least an hour before bed can help prevent insomnia and improve sleep quality.
2. Stay away from devices
The worst thing you can do for yourself is to start the day by checking your phone. Scrolling through social media, replying to messages, or checking emails can create stress and negatively impact your mood. It’s no secret that excessive screen time can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. And these feelings are only elevated when you check the phone first thing in the morning.
Not all screen time is bad; in fact, there are plenty of useful websites out there. But when you check your phone early in the morning, it can be tempting to continue checking your devices throughout the day, leading to decreased productivity and focus.
By staying away from your devices in the morning, you are allowing yourself time to focus on self-care and set a positive tone for the day. Take a moment to stretch, meditate, or enjoy a cup of coffee before checking your phone. This small habit can help you feel more relaxed and focused, allowing you to start your day on the right foot.
As part of your morning routine, consider setting aside time to disconnect from your devices and focus on yourself and your physical and mental well-being. Your body and mind will thank you!
3. Do some light physical activity
Are you looking for a morning routine to reduce stress and increase overall well-being? Then you shouldn’t ignore the importance of physical activity.
Starting your day with light physical activity can have numerous benefits, from boosting your energy levels to improving your mood and focus. And no, you don’t need to hit the gym and exercise for an hour. Just some light stretches and aerobic exercises will do the trick.
Remember, consistency is the key, so start exercising 5-10 minutes daily, and you can always do more when you feel like it. But make the barrier to start as low as possible.
Here are a few reasons why light physical activity should be a key component of your morning routine:
Kick-start your metabolism:
Light physical activity, like stretching or a short walk, can help get your metabolism moving, which can make you feel more alert and awake.
Improve your mood:
Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. This can help you start your day on an energetic and positive note. You’ll also be better prepared to deal with stress or any challenges that come your way.
Set the tone for a productive day:
By starting your day with light physical activity, you’re telling your brain that it’s time to be active and productive. This can help you maintain focus and energy levels throughout the day.
Stretch out any tight muscles
If you’ve been sitting or lying down for a while, light physical activity can help stretch out tight muscles and improve your posture. Doing this will also make it easier to focus on your work.
Get your heart pumping:
Light physical activity can increase your heart rate and improve circulation, which can help you feel more alert and awake.
By incorporating light physical activity into your morning routine, you’re giving yourself a head start on the day. Whether it’s a quick walk outside, some stretching exercises, or a yoga routine, ensure a few minutes of light physical activity to start your day off right. This will definitely help you get more out of your day.
4. Eat a healthy breakfast
Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, and for a good reason. Eating a nutritious breakfast can give you the energy and focus you need to tackle your day, especially as a college student. Here are a few reasons why eating a healthy breakfast should be an integral part of your morning routine:
- Fuels your brain: Your brain uses a lot of energy throughout the day, and a nutritious breakfast can help provide it with the fuel it needs to function at its best.
- Improves concentration: Eating a balanced breakfast that includes protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help you stay focused and alert throughout the morning.
- Avoid the mid-morning slump: Skipping breakfast or eating a sugary breakfast can lead to a mid-morning slump, making it harder to focus and be productive. Eating a healthy breakfast can help you avoid this and maintain energy levels throughout the morning.
- Start your day on a positive note: Eating a healthy breakfast can give you a sense of accomplishment and set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
- Get in essential nutrients: A healthy breakfast can provide you with essential nutrients that your body needs to function correctly, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
And eating healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to make any fancy things the influencers show. You can choose simple options like oatmeal with fruit and nuts, a whole grain English muffin, a French toast or omelet, or a smoothie with spinach and berries. These are some examples of a healthy breakfast that can give you the nutrients and energy you need to start your day right.
You can choose any breakfast; just make sure it is filling and contains enough protein. So, make sure to take the time to eat a healthy breakfast every morning as part of your morning routine. It’s also essential to plan your breakfast schedule in advance; otherwise, you will be tempted to reach for those sugary snacks when you’re in a rush.
5. Plan out the day
A clear plan for the day ahead is crucial to stay organized and productive. Each day is a new start, so treat it like that. It’s great to plan your day and set goals in the morning.
You should work in two modes on any day: 1. Planning and 2. Execution
But don’t try to do both of them simultaneously. Once you’re done with your planning in the morning, just focus on executing that plan for the rest of the day. By dividing your day into these two distinct modes, you can focus on the tasks and minimize distractions and interruptions.
Planning mode
This is the time to review your schedule, set priorities, and create a to-do list for the day. It’s an opportunity to think about what you want to achieve in the day and how you will get there. You should also consider any upcoming assignment submission deadlines or exams and set priorities accordingly.
While planning, I like the concept of time blocking. This is when you block a certain amount of time for a task. By focusing on just that one task, you can avoid multitasking. Remember not to overschedule and leave some breathing room for unexpected things or to rest!
Execution mode
This is the time to get to work and implement your plans. There are different methods to improve your productivity. Some of the top ones are the Pomodoro technique and the Flowtime technique.
By executing one thing at a time, you’ll be able to give full attention to each item on your to-do list. This helps you stay focused and productive and reduces the chances of making mistakes or missing essential details.
Thus, taking a few minutes to review your schedule and prioritize can help ensure that you stay focused on your main goals for the day. It’s also a great way to avoid getting caught up in unnecessary tasks.
Other reasons to include planning in your morning routine are because it boosts motivation, reduces stress, increases productivity, and improves your time management skills.
Incorporating a daily planning routine into your morning routine can profoundly impact your productivity, well-being, and overall success as a college student. Give it a try and see the difference it can make!
6. Take time to relax and meditate
This should be an essential component of your morning routine. Taking time to relax and meditate helps reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Here are some other benefits of meditation:
Better focus
Taking time to relax and meditate in the morning can help calm the mind and improve focus throughout the day. Increased focus and a calm state of mind are especially beneficial for college students who have to juggle multiple classes and responsibilities.
Better focus
Meditation can help increase self-awareness and help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can lead to greater insight and improved decision-making throughout the day.
Improved mental health
Regular meditation has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. By incorporating it into your morning routine, you can start your day with a sense of calm and balance, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
Increased energy
Relaxing and meditating in the morning can help increase energy levels, making it easier to tackle the tasks ahead.
Better sleep
Meditation can also help improve sleep quality, making it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
You can set the tone for a calm and productive day by taking time to relax and meditate in the morning. There are different ways to practice meditation and mindfulness to achieve quiet. You can do mindfulness exercises, yoga, pranayama, or simply stay present by focusing on your breaths. Whichever way you do it, you should include meditation to achieve the perfect morning routine.
IS BEING AN EARLY RISER BETTER THAN BEING A NIGHT OWL?
Probably the most debated question! Is it better to get up early or sleep late as a college student, particularly in terms of productivity, study time, and socializing?
Here are some reasons why you should get up early:
- Research has shown that waking up early can regulate your body’s internal clock and improve sleep quality. This can lead to feeling more alert and focused during the day, which can enhance productivity and study time.
- If you wake up early, you’ll have more time to practice all the steps mentioned above and start your day the right way. You’ll also have more time in the morning to get things done before classes or work, thus helping you feel more accomplished and less stressed throughout the day.
On the other hand, all is not doomed for the night owls.
- Research has shown that people have different chronotypes or natural sleep patterns, and some are naturally inclined to be night owls. It may be more challenging for these individuals to wake up early, and they may feel more alert and focused at night.
- As a college student, you will likely have busy schedules with classes, work, and extracurricular activities. And sleeping late allows you to have more free time in the evening to relax and unwind.
- In college, most of the socializing takes place at night, so you’re likely to miss out on those events if you sleep too early.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on you. You are your best judge, so you should choose the lifestyle and schedule that you’re most comfortable with. Suppose you’re unsure of which is better for you. In that case, you can consider journaling and keeping track of your productivity levels and sleep schedule to determine what works best for you. You can also experiment with different sleep schedules to see what you’re the most comfortable with.
in any case, it’s always better to avoid the extremes like staying up till 3 am or waking up at 4 am and finding a more moderate schedule. It’s also essential to practice good sleep hygiene, regardless of the schedule to get the maximum benefits of sleep and to achieve a good morning routine.
Whatever your schedule, always try to have a good morning routine to wake up feeling fresh and make the best use of your day.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In this post, you saw the importance of having a morning routine and different ways to develop the perfect morning routine as a college student.
Always remember to choose the routine to suit their personal needs and preferences. This will help you develop habits essential for maintaining the practice in the long run.
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Do you have a morning routine? Let me know in the comments below!
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