Especially during this pandemic year, college has been a unique experience for everyone. Whether you are on campus or at home, most of us have been overwhelmed by online classes. And I don’t know about you, but I am currently losing some of my motivation. As the semester is coming to a close, it is important to stay on top of your classes. Here I have compiled a list of five tips on how to have a more productive morning.
1.Wake up early and make your bed.
I always like to set an alarm for 30 minutes before my first class in the morning. This helps me to feel awake for class and allows me time to get ready for the day. Additionally, making your bed first thing in the morning helps to keep your space organized and get your day started on the right foot. Getting the small things done feels good!
2. Eat a healthy breakfast and stay hydrated.
If you do anything this morning, please make sure you eat breakfast! Skipping breakfast can make you feel tired throughout the day and prohibit you from feeling your best. I like to make myself a bowl of oatmeal, a smoothie, or avocado toast. All my coffee drinkers out there understand the importance of a coffee in the morning. And of course, remember to drink lots of water throughout the day but especially in the morning. Being dehydrated can give you a headache and distract you from getting your work done.
3. Exercise in the morning.
I like to stretch for 10-15 minutes every morning. Even if it is just for a few minutes, exercise wakes up the body in the morning and gets you ready for the day. Other forms of exercise could be taking your dog for a walk, doing a 10-minute ab workout on YouTube, or doing some yoga poses in your room. There are so many different ways you can feel good about yourself by just getting in a little bit of movement in the morning.
4. Use a planner and make a list.
Write down everything you need to accomplish for that day and try your best to get it done. I am the type of person who has to cross items off a list to feel good about completing a task. The satisfaction of crossing off all the items on my list for that day is like no other! If you are stressed about lots of assignments or a busy schedule, write down everything you need to get done. Try to do the more difficult and time-consuming tasks first.
5. Take a moment for yourself.
Do something to clear your mind and give yourself a chance to reflect, especially if you are feeling stressed. I like to do a 5 to10 minute meditation or journal for a few minutes about what’s on my mind. Doing a daily reflection of your thoughts and day helps you to better handle your stress and make you feel more at peace with your busy schedule.
Of course, in a perfect world, I would do all these tips every day, but life is hectic and ever-changing. Making a routine for yourself in the morning can help you be more productive. Try to incorporate some of these ideas into your morning and adjust them to fit your lifestyle. Good luck with the rest of the semester. You got this!