Having an energizing and dependable daily at-home routine can make a huge impact on your overall mood and productivity. Whether you’re stuck in quarantine during COVID-19 or just an online college student trying to create healthy habits at home, maintaining a daily routine can provide a sense of stability and productivity.
Here are our top 10 tips!
1. Set an alarm.
Waking up naturally sounds great, but it’s not consistent. Without an alarm, you’ll probably sleep much longer than needed. The recommended amount of sleep is 7 to 8 hours. We recommend that you try tracking your sleep to see what works best for you.
2. Eat Breakfast.
Not only will eating breakfast help jumpstart your day, but it also lets your metabolism know that it’s time to start burning calories. Breakfast will also keep any grumbling distractions at bay.
3. Get dressed.
Hopefully, this goes without saying if you’re on campus but if you’re working from home, it’s easy to let days go by without even wearing pants. If you are reading this in the midst of all the craziness of COVID-19, you might find that dressing yourself every morning, even if you don’t leave the house, can have you feeling better about yourself. So…please… put some pants on.
4. Begin school work.
Sit at a designated location to work. Begin by planning your to-do’s for the day and start tackling the first item on your list. Setting a timer for tasks and blocking notifications on your laptop and phone can help keep your mind on task.
5. Stay hydrated.
You’ve likely heard it before, drinking water is essential for overall health. “Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature” (WebMD). Give yourself this simple advantage and track your water intake.
6. Eat fruits & vegetables.
Provide your body with the right nutrients. Vitamins and minerals will fulfill your hunger needs with fewer calories than junk food, while also giving your body the healthy fuel it needs to make it through the day!
7. Get moving.
Physical movement is not only healthy for your body, but it’s also great for your mental and emotional well being! Choose a time each day to get moving. Even if it’s a few laps around the living room or a brisk walk around the block, exercising releases endorphins – chemicals in your brain that can make you feel energize and ready to take on the day!
8. Practice gratitude.
It may sound cheesy, but gratitude helps the mind to focus on the good in life. A positive mindset will create momentum in your day. It’s as simple as making a list of 3 things you are grateful for each day.
9. Wash your hands.
If you’re reading this after COVID-19, please don’t stop washing your hands. The last thing you’ll want during your time at home is to be sick. Remember to wash your hands throughout the day for at least 20 seconds so the suds can kill any pesky germs.
10. Get plenty of rest.
Go to bed on time. The best way to set your morning and day up for success is to get plenty of rest! Even with all of the best intentions for the day ahead, if you’re not getting enough sleep, your chances of success are low. Here’s a tip: an hour before your predetermined bedtime, stop all use of screen time and set a reminder for “lights out”.
About the Author
Lauren Zoucha
Lauren received her bachelor’s in graphic design from Dallas Baptist University in 2012. She has a passion for empowering others to be confident in their unique qualities, especially through the art of photography. Her husband and daughter are the lights of her life, and she hopes to one day be able to keep track of a pair of sunglasses for longer than one year.
