Many of us are feeling more sluggish and groggy than normal, and ‘lockdown fatigue’ has become one of the pandemic’s most-used phrases.
Most of this is attributed to higher levels of general anxiety, less time spent outside, and insufficient sleep. Students who can work tirelessly can also find it difficult to stay inspired and energised. However, taking a few quick steps during the day may have a variety of advantages, including better sleep, more energy throughout the day, and a more optimistic mood overall.
We’ve teamed up with Scape, the student living experts, and Dr. Alex George to share some top tips for building a great daily routine that will help you stay energised and make the most of your time as a student!
Morning Routine Tips
Get Your Brain Going! Spend some time in the morning doing something you love – reading, journaling, crossword puzzles, knitting a new scarf – the choice is yours. Even ten minutes of imagination will help you warm up your brain muscles and prepare for the day ahead.
Leave Your Phone Alone! We know it’s tempting, but checking your phone first thing in the morning might make you nervous about what you missed the night before or what you’ll have to deal with the next day. If you can, resist the urge to check your phone for at least an hour (even half an hour would help!)
Stretch It Out! A few simple yoga moves (such as ‘cat-cow’ and ‘happy baby’) or gentle stretches will help to relieve any overnight aches and keep you limber. A ten-minute morning meditation session will also help you concentrate and clear your mind.
HYDRATE! HYDRATE! HYDRATE! And no, we’re not talking about an energy drink to get you through your 3 p.m. slump. It will give you an artificial energy boost, but it will also cause you to crash later. Drink plenty of water and limit your caffeine intake.
Fuel Your Body! We all know that eating a good breakfast gives you energy and helps you avoid the mid-morning slump. If you’re not a morning person (and who is? ), planning something the night before will save you time and allow you to sleep in a few more minutes. A good old-fashioned porridge with some fruit is a fantastic option. As a rule, try to eat a breakfast that contains protein, healthy fat, and unprocessed fibre and avoid sugary, processed foods.
Night Time Routine Tips
Switch It Off! Avoid looking at something with a screen for at least half an hour before going to bed. Remove your phone and laptop from the room. To be honest, you won’t be missing out on anything! To reduce the likelihood of picking up your phone, you can also use the ‘Do not Disturb’ function from a specific time.
Tune Out! When all of your electronics have been turned off, begin to relax your mind and body by dimming the lights and doing something relaxing. Take a cue from your morning routine and write about your day, read a book, listen to a guided meditation, or practise gentle bedtime yoga.
Turn In! Get into bed when you start to feel sleepy, concentrate on your breathing, and fall asleep. Sit up and do another mental exercise if you’re having trouble falling asleep. Don’t go back to bed until you’re tired – and don’t, no matter how tempting it is, start scrolling through TikTok!
A Good Nights’ Sleep Will Set The Tone For The Next Day! Attempt to get seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night. It doesn’t mean you have to get up with the sun or be in bed by 9 p.m., but you should try to find a wake-up time that fits you and work backwards from there. Try to stick to it as much as possible; in the long term, it will make you feel more energised and efficient.
