Healthy Habits for a New Semester

The start of the new semester is the perfect opportunity for a refresh. After a summer spent at pools and beaches, it's time to shift gears to a more academic focused schedule. However, old habits die hard. By the end of the Spring semester, all sense of routine is out the window. Homework is left until the last minute, and all sense of self care is gone.

Take this new semester as an opportunity for a full reset! One of the most effective ways to maintain healthy self care practices is by sticking to a routine. Having a consistent schedule throughout the week and establishing a routine makes it easier to not let Fall semester get ahead of you! 

Fortunately, we have an example of what this weekly routine could look like!

Overall

Track your work!

The most important part of maintaining healthy habits is to stay on top of assignments. Set reminders on your phone so you get notifications of when work is due.

Schedule

This schedule can be altered! It is just a suggestion, any part of the routine can be subbed and alt read. The only way to be successful is to make sure it's a schedule that works for you. It's not actually self care if it makes you miserable.

Sunday

This is a reset day! Start the week off on the right foot.

Clean your room

A cluttered space = a cluttered mind! Don't just shove things into the closet, take time to organize and really clean. Save your own time throughout the week but knowing where everything is. 

Everything Shower

Get yourself to a place where you feel confident. Remember that this looks different on everyone!

Look ahead at your week 

Look through any classes, clubs, or jobs. Don't let anything sneak up on you during the week. One of the best ways to reduce weekly stress is by being prepared. 

Go to bed early

The worst way to start the week is behind on sleep. Don't spend the entire week playing catch up on sleep. Instead of doomscrolling, put the phone down and get as much extra sleep as possible.

Monday

Get ahead on work for the week

The beginning of the week tends to be less busy than the end. Use this extra time to get as ahead as possible. Do any work that you can start early!

Use free time to your advantage! 

Take time to do something you love. This could be reading, crochet, painting!

Talk you your family/friends 

Monday is the perfect time to check in at home. Update loved ones on your past week and talk about your week ahead. Don't lose touch with people not at school!

Go to the gym 

Exercising releases endorphins, which will make you feel better and clear your mind. An exercise schedule makes it easier to keep exercise a regular part of your routine.

Tuesday 

Take time with friends 

Do something new on campus or in the surrounding area. For Elon students, Dog Day Out with the Burlington Animal Shelter is popular, and time with pets is great for mental health!

Go on a walk 

Before winter, take advantage of the fall weather and the Vitamin D that you can get from the sun.

Wednesday

Midweek refresh!

Another gym day 

Reorganize and pick up room 

Things get out place during chaotic days, take some time to put everything back in its place.

Review end of week schedule 

Make sure you know what's due in the following days 

Journal 

Taking time to put your thoughts and feelings down in a journal helps clear up anything that has been weighing on you.

Thursday

Weekend prep!!

Get any work done you still have 

You are not going to want to do work Friday or Saturday. Don't leave work hanging over you until Sunday, get it done!

Face masks

Do your nails 

Extended skin care routine 

Take time to do whatever makes you feel good! 

Friday/Saturday

Enjoy your weekend! 

Weeks can feel long at college, so give yourself time to relax.  Be sure to stay hydrated and well rested!