The academic term is right around the corner and with it brings a turbulence of emotions. Whether you’re just starting your university experience or progressing onwards through your academic career, it can become overwhelming anticipating the journey ahead. So, here at The Third Eye we’re created a series of articles, Paving Way Through Academics, intending to convene useful information for students and aid in making the most out of the university experience!
Morning Routines
Morning routines are different for every individual, especially during the summer period when our lives are less restrained. Despite the holidays being the perfect time to allow for spontaneity and flexible schedules, it can also be the ideal time to foster healthy practices provided there’s more time. Building stable habits, including morning routines, is one one example we discuss today.
Planning The Routine and Keeping A Habit Tracker
Prior to the execution of a routine, or any other major project, there is one massive step that can easily be overlooked- planning a system. A well detailed plan enlists all the steps you need to follow, beforehand. In turn, a rigid system mitigates friction and uncertainness which can arise, such as deciding on what factors to include in the routine. Simultaneously, observing a tangible plan can spur motivation, particularly at the beginning.
In the interim, a habit tracker is highly suggested. Firstly, keeping track of how far you’ve come can instigate more confidence. Secondly, for those odd (hopefully few) days where you didn’t follow the routine, recording why you didn’t follow it can help to develop the necessary amendments and continue maintaining the routine regularly in future periods. The last thing you’d want is to see a routine dissolve because of a few disturbances. It can be difficult at first, but stick through it!
Once the routine has essentially become ingrained in your life, you can resort to the tangible plan less frequently. That said, I’d suggest to retain it since it is still forms the foundation and can act as a reinforcement on more difficult days. Recognising that you’ve reached this stage may be ambiguous, but realising you subconsciously follow the steps is a good indicator.
How Should A Morning Routine Look Like?
There isn’t a definitive answer since everyone has different priorities. Down below are some pointers which I use that may be helpful. A paramount note: whichever of these points you wish to apply ensure they’re tailored to specifically yourself, otherwise it’ll be very difficult consistently.
- Waking up earlier. A solid morning routine requires some time to undertake all the relevant steps. Essentially this requires you waking up earlier to some form of degree regardless how much we may resent it. Gradually sleeping earlier the night before and setting multiple alarms (if necessary) can be pivotal in order to rack up the needed hours of sleep without oversleeping.
- Stray away from your phone, unless it’s necessary. I try my best not to use social media platforms for a good portion of the day, particularly in the morning. In my view the morning sets the tone for the day. So, unnecessarily using my phone causes my day to become sluggish,w which likely permeates throughout the rest of the day. Finding substitutes, such as reading, are highly recommended as they’ll keep your brain occupied.
- Setting your to-do list. University has its shortcomings, but it’s flexibility denotes that we have to articulate a system which works for ourselves. A to-do list should evidently allow for prioritisation of tasks, but provide a scope for your day. What do you want your highlight of your day to be? Ideally you have something beyond lectures or work to safeguard your personal wellbeing.
- Performing simple physical exercises. Bearing in mind we spend a huge portion of the day sitting down, physical strains can easily materialise. Moving the body, be it through gym sessions, a walk or yoga, can go a long way in keeping your body in a better shape. Simultaneously, undertaking physical exercises correctly can instigate higher energy levels.
- Standardising hygienic care. Basic hygiene can easily overlooked sometimes, especially if you’re in a rush. However, simple personal care including washing your face and brushing your teeth can leave you more refreshed, besides the cleanliness.
Thanks for tuning in for the first chapter of Paving Way Through Academics! Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters to learn about other insightful recommendations and ways to optimise your academic career to get the full experience.