Life can get super crazy in college. Sometimes I feel like I’m running 100 miles per minute, jumping from class to coffee with a friend, club meetings, etc. Without a solid set of daily habits, I could never find much energy to check in with my mental health or really take a breath. These five habits are ones that I have recently adopted and they have helped me find immense clarity. Try them out for yourself, too!
- Read
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When I was young, I was an avid reader. I could barely wait to get home from school to continue reading whichever story I was engrossed in at the time. When I grew older and life became busier, I began losing time to read for myself. Getting back into the habit of reading, whether it be novels, self-care books, biographies or even magazines, can help give you some time away from technology and to unwind.
- Listen to a Podcast
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I have recently fallen back in love with podcasts. No matter what your interests, there’s bound to be a podcast for you. My recent favorite is a news podcast called The Daily from the New York Times. I listen to the quick 30-minute episodes while getting ready in the morning. The Daily focuses on explaining and discussing one current event per episode in detail and ends with a quick rundown of other current happenings that you should be aware of. It’s perfect for non-news oriented people like me to still feel informed!
- Set an Actual Morning Routine
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Although sleeping in any day you have the opportunity is tempting, waking up around the same time and having a set morning routine of a few things can do wonders on the amount of energy you have. I like to begin my day by sitting down with coffee to write a to-do list for the day to make ensure I will be the most productive that I can be.
- Drink Water
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I don’t drink nearly enough water in a given day. Keeping a water bottle with you at all times to mindlessly sip throughout the day is a great idea, but I’ve found that making sure I drink a big glass right when I wake up in the morning helps to kickstart more consumption. If I forget in the morning, I end up forgetting throughout the day too!
- Journal
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I have been told by many to journal my thoughts when I go through a rough patch or feel down, but I never listened to their advice. Recently though, I went through a very hard time and had nowhere to place my thoughts, so I gave it a try and ended up loving it. I have since continued to write about my thoughts every night before I go to sleep, even when I have a good day. Not only does writing help you to sort out random thoughts that may be clouding your mind, but it also gives you a few minutes to focus completely on yourself and how you are really doing.