If you’re like me, you thrive on a routine. Knowing what comes next is perfect for someone who hates surprises. I love being able to plan out my day and make sure I have time for all the things I like to do to make my days fulfilled. SInce going to college I have unfortunately learned this is more of a dream to be had.
Keeping a routine in college is extremely difficult. Yes, you have your basic class schedule, which is something that needs to be kept. Beyond classes I have found it extremely difficult to actually plan out the other aspects of my day. I find the reason for this being how crazy, busy, and spontaneous college life can be. I have found that whenever I do plan out my day, it ends up going in a completely different direction. Sure, it’s nice to think you’ll go to the gym at a certain time, but when it comes down to it, most people will choose the extra hour of their day to catch up on the sleep they missed the night before because they were studying until 3 am.
Not being able to keep a schedule in college can be frustrating and lead to negative behaviors. College turns into a game of convenience rather than routine. The microwave mac and cheese is much more convenient than planning time to go to the store and actually cooking a meal. The extra sleep sounds so much better than running on a treadmill. Going out with friends is much more fun than sitting down and studying. It’s safe to say that everything you should be doing, is not what you are going to want to.
In order to challenge this vicious cycle you had to become a routine person, and stick to it heavily. If you think of your routine as something as crucial as attendance in class, it might be easier to keep. Imagine breaking your routine as turning in an assignment late and taking a penalty. Yes, keeping a routine can be extremely difficult because of all the other distractors that are a part of college life, but it can also be extremely helpful. A routine can keep you on track to make sure you are getting your work done, eating right, and taking care of both your physical and mental health.