Lately, I have been trying to improve the quality of my life. And no, that does not just mean taking a bath while wearing a facemask and calling that “self-care.” The best and most impactful way of changing your lifestyle is by implementing realistic healthy habits that you can achieve on a daily basis. These tips have helped improve my overall wellbeing, and I hope they can help yours as well.
1. Start off your day strong
The morning can set the tone for the entire day. Starting your day off by doing something that makes you feel good is a great way to set yourself up for success. This could include going on a walk, meditating, practicing yoga, cleaning up your room, or even writing out your to-do list for the day. These small tasks may seem insignificant, but knowing you’ve already accomplished something before 9 a.m.
2. Plan out every second of your day (including free time)
If you’re a college student, chances are you’re chaotically busy. Between balancing classes, homework, internships, jobs, and a social life, it can get pretty exhausting. One of the best ways to prevent yourself from getting burnt-out is by planning out your days. Physically seeing what you need to get done for the day can reduce your stress and help you see how much time you have for relaxing.
No, you don’t have to drop $60 on the latest Erin Condren Planner, but you should still be writing out what obligations you have for the weeks ahead. Using a free source like Google Calendars is great, but just a plain old notebook works just as well. There are also plenty of planning apps if you’d rather have something you can easily check on your phone.
3. Cook at least one meal a day at home
When the most readily-available food options are dining halls and fast-food on campus, it’s easy to get stuck in a food rut. I have found that cooking a homemade meal once a day not only makes me feel healthier, but it lets you reap the benefits of your work. It gives a gratification that you were able to prepare a dish and nourish your body with it, too.
However, if you’re stuck in a dorm with only a minifridge and a microwave, don’t lose hope. You can still cook many easy and healthy meals on campus.
Related: Why We Should All Take Time Off Our Electronics
4. Be mindful of your tech usage
It’s easy to reach for your phone or laptop between classes or when you get home, which is fine to an extent. Electronic usage can have a lot of negative effects, including social media sites damaging self-esteem, along with unrealistic expectations.
Taking a break in the morning or at the end of the day is a great way for you to reconnect with reality and feel more productive. Instead of scrolling through Instagram, you can read, work on hobbies and side projects, or even just have more time to hang out with your friends.
5. Accomplish one goal every day
You know that feeling you get when you cross something off of your to-do list? That’s the feeling you should be getting every day. Setting goals like getting all your homework done, meeting a new person in your class, or just getting to the gym are all great ways to feel productive.
It’s also beneficial to complete your hardest tasks first, so you don’t feel the weight of them on your shoulders during the whole day.
6. Take care of something besides yourself
Knowing that you have to care for something else can help give you a sense of purpose. Pets are great, but if you live in a dorm or a small apartment, they’re not really an option. However, plants do the trick as well. They can also be a great motivation for getting out and being productive, even if you don’t want to. Plus, they look make super cute decorations and add a little bit of liveliness as well.
These habits may seem simple, but the impacts are huge, collegiettes!