With the new school year beginning and classes picking up speed, it's easy to become consumed with work and taken over by the stresses that seem to plague our calendars. As the days get busier, a routine seems more and more impossible to follow… BUT fear not: we can do it! We just have to do it right.
For starters, it's always important to be patient with yourself and allow for flexibility, and that holds true when trying to get into a routine - especially in college when your schedules are largely dependent upon other people. If you're too strict, you're likely to slip up and then give up. So, don't complicate things. Don't get demoralized. Just start simple.
Slowly, or all at once, add these simple habits into your daily routine to ensure you start the school year off strong and never slow down!
Talk to the people you love.
It's easy to get overwhelmed and feel "too busy" to do the little things - like calling home or texting your grandparents - but in reality, it's not doing the little things that leads to more stress. So, every day, make time for the people you love: whether it's calling your parents or grabbing dinner with your best friend, you will never regret taking time for the people that make you happiest.
Meditate.
Meditation is proven to help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, anger, and depression while increasing overall happiness. Ok… but how? Through meditation, you are exercising your prefrontal cortex - which basically means you are building your abilities to pay attention, engage with others, think rationally, adapt quickly, show empathy, overcome fear, and so, so much more. It's not easy at first and your mind will wander… but try it for a week and I promise you will start to feel calmer and more at peace with your day. For guided meditation try the apps Simple Habit or Insight Timer.
In the words of Admiral William McRaven: Make. Your. Bed.
Wake up and make your bed. It takes only a few minutes and leaves you feeling proud and organized. And, if all else fails, you come home to a (at least partially) tidy room, knowing you accomplished ~something~ that day.
Exercise.
Plain and simple, working out makes you feel good about yourself in an almost therapeutic way: you feel like you have done something productive and are becoming the best you. Plus… scientifically speaking, exercising leads to the release of endorphins - aka "happiness hormones" - which trigger feelings of satisfaction and even elation.
Read a book - for pleasure.
Instead of turning on Netflix every night and mindlessly watching show after show, open a book that you have been wanting to read and: begin! Not only will you learn something, but you will be left feeling satisfied and proud of yourself (are you seeing the trend?).
Read theSkimm.
In college- and as always- it's important to stay educated on what's happening around the world and one of the simplest ways to do so is by subscribing to theSkimm: a daily news email written in laymen's terms so that even we can understand. In the world of news, theSkimm is the crème de la crème: after a quick 5 minute read you are left feeling enlightened and ready for any current events pop quiz thrown your way. Say goodbye to biased, tedious news articles and hello to theSkimm!
Give thanks.
Whether it be to God, your parents, your teachers, your friends, or anyone else, make sure you take the time to give thanks for all that you have. Consider writing 5 things down each day that you are thankful for in a Gratitude Journal. Acknowledging your blessings and openly expressing your gratitude leads to an overall happier YOU.
Do something that makes you happy.
And do it often. Whatever it is, take time for yourself.
At the end of the day, a successful routine is really just about balance. Be gracious with yourself and acknowledge that there are days where you might just not have enough time (or so it feels) and that's okay. But at the same time, acknowledge that routine (and/or our valiant attempts at creating one) helps establish a sense of pride and satisfaction within you - and with these simple tips, your flexible routine will leave you feeling put-together and reassured every single day.
