Trying to make your mornings more productive can be daunting, especially as the initial motivation of the beginning of the semester starts to wear off. Being intentional about your choices is the key to success as you try to get back in the groove. Her Campus Vanderbilt is here with some tips to help you do just that and jumpstart your day!
1. Get at least 8-9 hours of sleep.
A good night’s rest helps kickstart your productive morning. Try turning off the lights, silencing your phone, and taking a relaxing shower. I’m lucky to live in a double in Kissam with a full shower, so this is relatively easy for me. Regardless of your shower situation though, your morning will not go as smoothly if you stay up all night on Instagram…unless you’re stalking the Her Campus Vandy Instagram—that, on the other hand, is highly recommended.
2. Eat a balanced breakfast.
Starting the day off with a balanced breakfast helps your mind and body prepare for the day ahead. My morning meal consists of a bagel with cream cheese and pineapple. I like the idea of a quick breakfast that doesn’t take long to prepare, as I try to get as much sleep as possible. But, for those with a little extra time on their hands, I would recommend Sun & Fork and Panera as good breakfast spots.
3. Make a daily to-do list.
Thinking of everything you need to do for the day can be overwhelming. In the morning, take a second to make a to-do list of your goals for the day. Distinguish urgent and important tasks to strategize how to have an effective day. I love using Stickies on my Mac to plan my day. Since I’m constantly looking at it, it prevents me from forgetting anything. Also, crossing something off my list is just so satisfying. Then, once my list is complete, I try to engage in some fun activities to reward myself for my productivity. This includes hanging out with friends, watching a movie, or reading the other Her Campus Vanderbilt articles!
4. Get active.
Try incorporating some light stretching and yoga to get your blood flowing at the start of every morning. Some light activity can help shake off that morning fatigue and prepare you for the day ahead. With The Rec being so far away and the limited machines at the gym in Alumni, doing simple yoga exercises such as lotus, tree pose, and downward dog in my room helps me loosen up and prepare for the day.
5. Listen to music.
Got the morning blues? Turn on your favorite playlist to help you tackle the day ahead! Currently, my main artists in rotation are Lil Durk, Latto, and Lil Baby.
I hope these tips help you feel more empowered to start your mornings off on the right foot. Remember, we’re all human, and not doing all these things every day is okay. What’s more important is doing what makes you happy and ready to tackle the world. If you still need more motivation, check out @hercampusvandy on Instagram to find our next de-stress event to relax even more!!