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Tips to Developing Healthy Habits | Fall 2023
When adopting a daily wellness lifestyle, focus on creating a routine that makes it easy to stay on track. Adding just a bit of structure can go a long way.
Start with a daily schedule incorporating more healthy habits — such as eating healthy foods, making time for workouts, and practicing self-care. Remember, you do not have to be perfect. Start simply by adding routines that will support you on tough days, as well as boosting your best days.
Not sure where to start? Please take a look at the ideas below, and feel free to mix and match to create a plan that fits your needs and your schedule. Along the way, you can adjust as you learn what works best for you.
You can have a daily routine for your wellness.
- Tip #1: Start at about the same time each day. Set a one-hour range for getting up and having breakfast. Be proactive and set goals for coursework you must complete each week.
- Tip #2: Use time batching. Group similar tasks together and set aside time to complete them all at a specific time. The purpose of time batching is to minimize distractions for a workflow that enables concentration, attention to detail, and productivity.
- Tip #3: Challenge yourself to drink more water. Add lemon or other fruit to your water to help you drink more. Eat at regular times, and don't skip meals. Be mindful of what you are eating to fuel your body. Track your water intake on an app to be more accountable.
- Tip #4: Exercise! Make a goal of at least one physical activity each day. Take a 20-minute walk on the campus pathways, take four laps on the track, or try online workouts. Eating well and being active is a great wellness routine to adopt daily. Use your favorite exercise tracker too!
Get a good night's rest.
Strive for a consistent sleep schedule for 7-9 hours per night. We are all tethered to our phones, so try to limit screen time later in the evening and limit energy drinks in the evening, too. Remember, sleep is a powerful stress reducer, improves concentration, and sharpens decision-making. These are all great benefits for college students!
Connect with others & check in with your family.
Make an effort to stay socially connected on campus and with your family. Let your family know you are doing okay. Check-in with your friends often. Go to a student life, academic, or athletic event. Remember, being social can lift your spirits, so join in! Check the calendar of events often.
Give yourself a break.
Take micro-breaks, lunchtime breakers and longer breaks too. During the day, take short breaks to reduce stress, help maintain focus, and reduce recovery at the end of the day. Take a lunchtime break where you detach from academic work to recharge and increase your energy level.
Make time for social breaks too!
Chat with your friends, get some fresh air. Make plans for something fun to do later in the week that you can look forward to, such as seeing the fall foliage in Rochester. Here is a list of some of the best places to see the colors of fall:
- Erie Canal
- Genesee Valley Park
- Mount Hope Cemetery
- Durand Eastman Park
- Turning Point Park
- Ellison Park
- Highland Park
- Lower Falls