Are you wondering how to avoid the freshman 15 in college?

The dreaded “freshman 15” refers to the 15 pounds that first-year college students often gain. The freshman 15 is caused by a variety of factors.

Not every freshman student will gain weight, and it might not be exactly 15 pounds, but this phenomenon is common enough that it does affect many students.

What Causes the Freshman 15?

Some of the things that can cause weight gain during your freshman year are:

• A change in eating habits: In college, you will suddenly have access to a dining hall where you can eat unlimited food all the time. This causes many students to up their portion sizes and eat larger meals.
• Increased snacking: You might also start snacking more in college, especially if you keep snacks in your dorm room where you work/live/eat/sleep.
• Decreased activity levels: Many college students go from playing sports in high school to a less active lifestyle in college. Unless you’re a college athlete, you might see a big decrease in your levels of exercise.
• Going out and drinking: Going to parties and drinking is unfortunately another cause of weight gain in college — alcohol has tons of calories!
• Eating as a coping mechanism: College is a big transition and freshman year can be stressful, leading to overeating as a way to cope.

I was able to avoid the freshman 15 and I’m going to share my tips for how I did it below.

In fact, I did not gain any weight all throughout college — I stayed within 5 pounds of what I weighed in high school, and I have continued to maintain this weight throughout my twenties because of many of the healthy habits listed below.

Important Things to Note

Before I get into sharing my tips, I wanted to note that your weight does not define you.

I’m not writing about this because I think anyone should feel ashamed of gaining weight or allow it to affect their self-worth.

You might gain weight in college even if you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet and staying active. This is a common thing that happens as you continue to shift from adolescence to adulthood. A few extra pounds is totally okay!

But what I’m talking about below is a more noticeable weight gain that is caused by unhealthy eating habits and a more sedentary lifestyle. This is what causes the “freshman 15” for many students and it IS avoidable!

Here’s what worked for me in avoiding the freshman 15, and what you can do too:

Avoid treating the dining hall like an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Most freshmen college students will be on a dining plan of some sort, which gives you access to your college dining halls.

The food served at the dining hall is typically buffet-style and it might not always be the healthiest options. It can be tempting to fill your plate with huge portion sizes and go up for second and third servings, but this can quickly contribute to weight gain.

Instead, create a balanced plate at the dining hall and go for the healthier or lighter options.

My dining hall had a “grab and go” option where you could get a pre-packaged meal consisting of a sandwich, a bag of chips, a fruit, and a cookie. I would do this for lunch most days and it was a much more reasonable portion size.

Don’t keep unhealthy snacks in your dorm room.

My freshman year roommate and I kept our dorm room really clean, and neither of us really liked to keep much food in the room.

I think this definitely helped in avoiding gaining weight.

I would keep some granola bars in a drawer in case I ever got hungry, but I wouldn’t keep unhealthy snacks like chips or candy in my room. If I wanted to get a snack, I had to walk out of the building and go to the nearest vending machine (in another building a couple of minutes away) which would usually deter me unless I really wanted it.

This helped me keep snacking under control. Now did I ever deprive myself of a snack if I really wanted one? No! But I prevented myself from snacking purely out of boredom and saving it only for when I really felt hungry.

Walk everywhere you can on campus.

One of the easiest things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle in college is to walk everywhere you can on campus.

I went to college in the middle of a big city, but we had our own distinct campus that was actually not very large — about 1 mile by 1.5 miles. You could easily walk from one side of campus to the other in under 30 minutes.

Because of this, I walked everywhere. We had a bus and trolley system, but I didn’t see the point in taking that since nothing was that far away.

You might go to college on a larger campus where walking everywhere is impractical, but in that case, I would encourage you to get a bike!

Staying active as you make your way around campus throughout the day is one of the easiest ways to get exercise while in college.

Drink lots of water (and not a lot of other beverages!)

You probably know you should be drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day, but I cannot emphasize enough how important this really is!

Drinking lots of water helps you maintain your weight. You should also avoid drinking much of any other beverages. That fancy drink from Starbucks or that sugar-filled “healthy” juice you grab before class is actually full of calories.

I stuck to drinking only water as much as possible during college, although I have to admit I had a weakness for Diet Coke too. (Not saying you should drink soda, but at least swap out regular soda for diet soda if you choose to drink it!)

Also, this goes for alcohol. There are MANY benefits to limiting how much you drink or avoiding alcohol entirely, not just related to weight.

If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation.

Go to the gym, take fitness classes, or join a club/intramural sport.

I’ve never actually done sports or enjoyed working out, and that did not change for me during college. But I still stayed active by walking a TON and continuing ballet classes, the one physical activity I did during high school.

If you played sports in high school, you can still stay active in college by joining a club or intramural sports team. You don’t have to be really good to join these teams and they are less pressure and commitment than being on an actual college sports team.

You can also take advantage of free/heavily discounted gym access and fitness classes.

Most colleges have a campus gym and rec center where you can work out for free, and possibly even take free fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, HIIT, etc.

If it’s not free, it will likely be extremely discounted for students, making this an affordable way to stay in shape during your freshman year.

Create healthy routines for yourself.

What do I mean when I say create healthy routines for yourself? A few different things!

First of all, try to develop a healthy sleep schedule. I’m someone who has always needed a solid eight hours of sleep a night to function and I don’t do well when I’m sleep-deprived. So I prioritized sticking to my sleep schedule in college. Getting enough sleep and sticking to a sleep routine regulates your body and makes you less likely to gain weight.

You can also develop a healthy evening routine to get you ready for sleep and a morning routine to start your day off on the right note.

Additionally, it’s important to stick to a healthy eating routine. Don’t skip breakfast (or any other meal) and have consistent mealtimes for yourself.

All of this will help you avoid gaining weight by regulating your body.

Develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Finally, it’s important to develop healthy coping mechanisms. The transition to college can be a stressful one, and it’s easy to slide into unhealthy methods of coping.

One of those can be stress-eating. You might find yourself staying up late to cram for an exam the next morning, then rewarding yourself with a 2 AM meal of fast food. Or you might find yourself being stressed out after class and going to the dining hall and filling up your plate multiple times with your favorite comfort food. Or after a long day, you might lay in bed watching Netflix and mindlessly snacking.

All of these are examples of unhealthy food-related coping mechanisms. You want to develop healthy ways to deal with stress instead.

Rather than defaulting to food, go for a walk outside and listen to your favorite podcast instead. Or put on some music and dance like no one is watching. Or sit down and journal about it.

There are lots of ways to cope with the stress of college that don’t involve food!

Avoiding the Freshman 15

This post showed you tips for how to avoid the freshman 15.

You don’t have to gain weight in your first year of college (or at any point in college!) as long as you maintain healthy habits.

These are the specifics things that worked for me that will hopefully help you too!

Related Posts:

• 50 Positive Affirmations For College Students
• 20 Best Foods for Studying
• The Best Cheap And Easy College Breakfast Ideas
• 50 Journal Prompts For College Students
• The Perfect College Morning Routine

The post How To Avoid The Freshman 15 (What Worked For Me) appeared first on Sincerely Students.

High school and college can be a stressful time for students. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget about taking care of yourself.

However, self care is crucial for maintaining your physical and mental well-being, especially during your student years.

Here are some of the best self care ideas for students that can help you stay balanced, focused, and healthy.

1. Develop a morning/evening routine.

Establishing a consistent morning and evening routine can provide structure to your day and help you feel more in control.

In the morning, set aside time for activities like stretching, meditation, or a healthy breakfast.

In the evening, wind down with calming rituals, such as reading or taking a warm bath. These routines can help you start your day right and end it on a peaceful note.

Related:

• 75 Morning Routine Ideas That Will Change Your Life
• How To Maximize Your Evening Routine With 14 Habits

2. Drink water.

Staying hydrated is often overlooked but is one of the simplest and most effective self care practices. Proper hydration can boost your energy levels, improve concentration, and support overall health.

Carry a reusable water bottle with you, and make a conscious effort to drink enough water throughout the day.

3. Go for a walk on campus.

For college students, taking a break and going for a walk around your campus can be refreshing. The change of scenery and fresh air can clear your mind and reduce stress. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk, spending time outdoors can do wonders for your well-being.

If you’re in high school, a walk around the neighborhood after school is another good way to clear your mind and practice self care.

4. Work out.

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Find a workout routine that you enjoy, whether it’s hitting the gym, practicing yoga, or joining a sports club. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

5. Watch your favorite TV show.

Sometimes, a little entertainment is all you need to relax. Pick one of your favorite TV shows or movies, and allow yourself some downtime to enjoy it. Just remember to balance screen time with other self care activities.

6. Meditate for 10 minutes.

Mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving focus. Dedicate just 10 minutes a day to meditation, focusing on your breath and letting go of distractions. You’ll find that this short practice can have a big impact on your mental clarity.

7. Write in a gratitude journal.

Cultivating a sense of gratitude can shift your perspective and improve your overall outlook on life. Take a few minutes each day to write down things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as a good cup of coffee or a supportive friend.

8. Tidy your study space.

A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind. Take some time to organize and declutter your study space. A clean and organized workspace can enhance your productivity and reduce stress.

Related:

• How To Organize Your Desk To Maximize Productivity

9. Leave your phone at home.

Constant digital connectivity can be draining. Try leaving your phone behind the next time you go for a walk or spend time with friends. Disconnecting from technology for a while can help you recharge and be present in the moment.

10. Go to bed early.

A good night’s sleep is essential for academic success and overall well-being. Establish a regular sleep schedule and aim to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Adequate rest will help you stay focused and energized throughout the day.

11. Read a book for fun.

Reading doesn’t always have to be related to your coursework. Pick up a book you’ve been wanting to read for pleasure. It’s a great way to relax, escape into another world, and stimulate your imagination.

12. Put on some music and dance.

If you’re looking for a self care activity that combines exercise and fun, try dancing! Dancing is a fantastic way to release stress and boost your mood. Put on your favorite music and dance like nobody’s watching. It’s a fun and liberating way to let off steam.

13. Do a social media detox.

Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it helps you stay connected, it can also be a source of stress and distraction. Take a break from social media to clear your mind and reduce the pressure to constantly be online by deleting all social media apps for at least 48 hours.

Related:

• How To Break Your Phone Addiction In 5 Simple Steps

14. Spend time with animals.

Interacting with animals, whether it’s your own pet or a visit to a local animal shelter to volunteer for an afternoon, can be incredibly therapeutic. The unconditional love and presence of animals can provide comfort and relaxation.

15. Catch up with a friend.

Maintaining social connections is vital for your mental health. Make time to catch up with a friend, whether it’s for a quick coffee, a meal, or a chat over the phone. Sharing your thoughts and experiences can provide emotional support.

16. Work on a non-academic hobby.

Engage in a hobby or activity that has nothing to do with your coursework. It could be painting, playing a musical instrument, cooking, or any other creative pursuit that brings you joy. Hobbies provide an outlet for self-expression and relaxation.

17. Eat a healthy breakfast.

If you normally skip breakfast or just have something quick like a granola bar, take the time to sit down and actually enjoy a healthy breakfast. Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast will fuel your body and mind, provide sustained energy, and improve your concentration.

Self Care Ideas For Students

Self care is not a luxury but a necessity for students. Practicing self care will help you to avoid stress, overwhelm, and burnout.

Incorporating these self care ideas into your daily or weekly routine can help you better manage the demands of student life, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.

Remember that self care is a personal journey, so choose the activities that resonate with you and make them a priority in your life. Your physical and mental health will thank you for it.

By implementing these self care practices, you can create a healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling student experience.

Related Posts:

• My Full Productive Daily Routine In High School
• How To Transform The Way You Study In 7 Days

The post 17 Self Care Ideas For Students appeared first on Sincerely Students.

The secret to managing the chaos of college life and maximizing your productivity lies in establishing a well-structured morning routine.

This morning routine for college students will help you start off your day in a productive way and ensure that you have the best day possible!

The way you start your day can set the tone for the rest of it. So it’s important to start things off right with a solid morning routine. If you don’t have a morning routine in college, you risk over-sleeping, missing classes, and not getting things done.

You can avoid those negatives by following these seven easy steps.

Here are the things you can do for a simple yet effective college morning routine:

1. Wake Up Early

The foundation of an effective morning routine starts with waking up early. It’s tempting to hit that snooze button, but the extra sleep rarely makes you feel more rested.

Instead, set a consistent wake-up time and stick to it, even on weekends. Waking up early gives you extra hours to start your day with intention, tackle your coursework, and stay ahead of deadlines.

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to ensure you’re well-rested. Consider using sleep tracking apps or smartwatches to monitor your sleep patterns and make adjustments accordingly. Over time, your body will adapt to this routine, and you’ll find that waking up early becomes easier and more natural.

2. Make Your Bed

Once you’re up, make it a habit to make your bed. It might seem like a small task, but it can have a big impact on your day. Making your bed sets a tone of organization and productivity, and it’s a quick win that starts your day with a sense of accomplishment.

It’s also an excellent way to prevent the temptation of crawling back into bed once you’re up. By taking a minute or two to neatly arrange your sheets and pillows, you set a positive tone for the day and create an environment that can positively affect your productivity and mindset.

Plus, coming back to a tidy room after a long day of classes can be a small but comforting reward.

3. Drink Water

After a night’s sleep, your body is dehydrated. Hydrating your body in the morning is essential to kickstart your metabolism and increase your alertness.

Keep a water bottle by your bedside to drink as soon as you wake up. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon for added flavor and health benefits.

Water should be your first choice in the morning, even before that cup of coffee. You’ll feel much better and have more energy throughout the day if you start the morning by drinking a full bottle of water.

4. Stretch And Meditate

Before you dive into the hustle and bustle of the day, take a few minutes to stretch and meditate. Stretching helps wake up your muscles and increases blood flow, while meditation can calm your mind and reduce stress.

Spend just 5-10 minutes doing some simple stretches and deep breathing exercises to set a peaceful and focused tone for your day.

Simple stretches like touching your toes, shoulder rolls, and neck stretches can relieve tension and improve your posture. When it comes to meditation, you don’t need to be an expert. Just focus on your breath and let go of racing thoughts.

5. Eat Breakfast

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A nutritious breakfast provides your body and brain with the energy and nutrients they need to function at their best.

Opt for a balanced meal that includes protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Foods like oatmeal, Greek yogurt with berries, or scrambled eggs with vegetables are great choices.

If you’re short on time, consider preparing breakfast the night before with overnight oats or a smoothie you can grab on the go. Eating breakfast stabilizes your blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes and enhancing your concentration during morning classes.

6. Use Your Planner

A planner can be your best friend in college. Take a few minutes in the morning to review your planner and get a clear picture of your day ahead.

Check for important deadlines, assignments, and any meetings or appointments you have. This will help you prioritize your tasks and stay organized throughout the day.

This proactive approach ensures that you tackle your most significant academic challenges first, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment as the day progresses.

7. Journal Or Read

Finally, consider spending some time journaling or reading as part of your morning routine. Journaling can be a therapeutic way to express your thoughts and feelings, set goals, or simply reflect on your day.

Journaling doesn’t have to be a lengthy process. Even a few sentences jotting down your thoughts, goals, or things you’re grateful for can make a difference.

Reading, whether it’s for pleasure or academic purposes, can stimulate your mind and enhance your knowledge. Even just 15-20 minutes of reading can make a significant difference over time.

Easy College Morning Routine For Students

Incorporating these seven simple steps into your morning routine as a college student can transform your daily life.

Waking up early, making your bed, drinking water, stretching and meditating, eating a healthy breakfast, using your planner, and engaging in journaling or reading can set a positive and productive tone for your day.

Remember that consistency is key, so stick with your routine, and you’ll find yourself better equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities that college life presents.

Are you looking for more tips about setting a productive morning (or evening) routine in college? Check out the posts below for more tips and ideas!

Related Posts:

• The Best Cheap And Easy College Breakfast Ideas
• 65 Night Routine Habits That Will Change Your Life
• How To Maximize Your Evening Routine With 14 Habits
• The Millionaire Morning Routine: Student Edition
• How To Transform Your Morning Routine & Have A Productive Day
• 17 Self Care Ideas For Students

The post The Perfect College Morning Routine appeared first on Sincerely Students.

But how do you end your day properly? How do you build the perfect night routine for yourself? A routine differs for every person, possibly packed with all kinds of combinations of habits.

In this post, I’ll reveal 65 night routine ideas to build into your daily schedule; categorized into different niches like body, mind, and productivity, this list is designed to help you create the perfect routine. Let’s get into it.

Body

1. Stop consuming caffeine in the afternoon.
2. Drink a glass of warm milk.
3. Take a bath.
4. Stretch.
5. Avoid intense workouts/exercise.
6. Use the bathroom.
7. Massage your eyes.
8. Massage your muscles.
9. Do your skincare routine.
10. Brush your teeth and floss carefully.
11. Brush your hair and massage your scalp.
12. Stand against a wall for 10 mins (for posture).
13. Put on body lotion.
14. Put in eye drops.
15. Put on a lip mask.
16. Take vitamins.
17. Take medicine.

Mind

18. Write in a gratitude journal what you’re grateful for.
19. Read for 15 minutes.
20. Take a walk outside.
21. Call your parents/friends/significant other.
22. Listen to calming music.
23. Listen to an audiobook.
24. Follow a sleep meditation.
25. Repeat affirmations.
26. Practice visualization.
27. Smile to yourself in the mirror.
28. Read a chapter of a book.
29. Draw or color for 15 minutes.
30. Work on a jigsaw puzzle for 15 minutes.
31. Do word puzzles for 15 minutes.
32. Don’t go on your phone 1 hour before bed.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS POST: The Millionaire Morning Routine: Student Edition

Lifestyle

33. Feed your pet.
34. Dim your lights 1 hour before bed.
35. Call a friend.
36. Call a family member.
37. Clean up any small messes in your home.
38. Wear a set of comfy pajamas.
39. Turn on the humidifier.
40. Spray some pillow spray.
41. Write in a daily journal about how your day went.
42. Set an alarm (or several).
43. Sleep at a consistent time.
44. Fluff your pillows.
45. Turn on a fan.
46. Turn on white noise.
47. Set the thermostat to a good temperature.

Productivity

48. Write a daily review.
49. Make a to-do list for the next day.
50. Write a not-todo list.
51. Timeblock your next day.
52. Prioritize your tasks.
53. Break down your tasks.
54. Remove unnecessary tasks.
55. Track and limit your screen time.
56. Check for important emails to respond to quickly of the next day.
57. Check for important texts to respond to quickly or the next day.
58. Charge your devices.

School

59. Pick out an outfit for the next day.
60. Prepare breakfast/lunch for the next day.
61. List out assignments for the next day.
62. Put new due dates in your calendar.
63. Review vocabulary flashcards.
64. Do a few practice problems.
65. Check and track your grades.

Conclusion

I hope you got a thing or two out of this post! Remember, the best night routine is one that’s tailored to you. So try some things out, then switch them for others to find the perfect combination.

If you’re looking for more posts like this, check these out:

• How To Transform Your Morning Routine & Have A Productive Day
• What To Bring To Your Freshman Year Of College
• My Full Productive Daily Routine In High School

The post 65 Night Routine Habits That Will Change Your Life appeared first on Sincerely Students.

Apart from factors like money and background, habit and routine play the largest role in building success from the ground up. 

Have you heard of the millionaire morning routine? Millionaires swear by this routine (and its variations) to keep themselves productive and healthy; the best part is, it’s not super hard to replicate!

In this post, I’ll show you what exactly the routine comprises of, and how you can carry it out in your busy, student life. Let’s get right into it!

About the Millionaire Morning Routine

The “Millionaire Morning Routine” became popular online a while ago through a series of YouTube videos and blog posts. Celebrities – rich ones, may I add – shared their routines online, and patterns were quickly spotted.

The routine I will share today is a culmination of routines, gathered from people like Bill Gates and Barack Obama. Here’s how to start:

Wake up early at a consistent time

A large component of maintaining a successful routine is repetition– practicing the same thing over and over again so it becomes a habit. 

Waking up at a consistent time is the first step of your routine. Generally, for healthy adults working a standard job (or students attending school), somewhere between 6 AM and 8 AM is a good time to wake up. 

However, remember that you need to sleep for a healthy amount as well (8-10 hours per night for teens), so be sure to adjust your bedtime and waketime accordingly.

Digital detox

In our current age, mobile phones are about as versatile as they can get. However, this also means that it’s easy to become overly reliant and addicted to your phone.

If you pick up your phone as soon as you wake up, it becomes much harder to get out of bed efficiently. It’s simply too easy to continue laying in bed comfortably, scrolling and scrolling.

To break out of this trap, stay away from your phone for at least 15-20 minutes after waking up. Use this time to wash up, get dressed, make your bed, and complete a few next steps in your morning routine. 

Meditate

A morning meditation session helps focus your mind and ensures a calm yet energized start to your day. It doesn’t have to take long! Simply sit down for 5-10 minutes and practice some mindfulness.

Exercise

Many like to do some cardio in the morning before diving into some intense sitting-down work. Some easy exercises (not an entire workout) can warm up your mind and body properly to prepare for a long day of sitting and/or standing. Here are some trusty exercises you can carry out:

• Jumping jacks
• Planks
• Squats
• Push-ups
• Sit-ups
• Lunges

Journal/practice gratitude

Journaling in the morning helps to clear out your mind of any unproductive thoughts and create a blank slate for you to start the day with. You can journal about anything you want – dreams, shower thoughts, to-do lists (a personal must-have), rants, simple reminders…

Healthy breakfast

Eating healthy is an important part of an effective morning routine and a fit body. Some people, especially students, like to skip breakfast. If that’s you, it’s time to break this habit now!

A healthy breakfast doesn’t have to take long or a lot of effort to prepare. Here are some ideas:

• Avocado toast
• Scrambled eggs and bacon
• Bagel with cream cheese
• Oatmeal with fruits
• Eggs and English muffin

Lastly, don’t forget to drink water! A cup of water in the morning will help with metabolism, as well as being more alert. You may realize that you don’t even need a cup of coffee after drinking water and having a full breakfast.

Read the news

Staying up-to-date with current issues is something that a lot of people (especially young adults) seem to overlook. Keeping up with the news is a great way to stay informed, and thinking about the news you read is a great way to keep your brain active. 

Easy ways to follow the news are to subscribe to a daily or weekly newsletter, listen to podcasts, and read recap/summary articles online. Later in the post, I will share how I like to keep up with the news (no, I don’t read the newspaper).

YOU’LL LOVE THIS POST: 75 Morning Routine Ideas That Will Change Your Life

How to implement the routine as a student

As a college student (and ex-high school student) myself, I understand how busy your life can get. Sometimes, and especially in the early stages of building your routine, it’s difficult to stick with these habits.

A key difference between a student (you) and an established millionaire (for example, Bill Gates) is that while Bill Gates already knows that this routine works for him, you have no idea whether or not this routine will work. You may be skeptical, and therefore not be entirely motivated to follow it.

Therefore, the key step you need to take to effectively implement the Millionaire Morning Routine is to find motivation and build a persistent mindset.

How to find motivation and be persistent

There are two types of motivators: intrinsic and extrinsic.

An intrinsic or internal motivator is produced by your own desire to grow or become better. In general, intrinsic motivation proves more effective and tenacious in the long-run, and therefore a better choice for a lot of people.

To find intrinsic motivation, figure out what makes you want to become better. Try to find joy and meaning in certain activities, or a purpose that makes what you’re doing significant to you.

An extrinsic or external motivator is indirect, produced by your desire to gain a reward or to avoid a punishment. This can be as simple as a reward system where, if you reach a certain goal by a certain time, you reward yourself with something desirable (or vice versa in a punishment system).

However, with rewards/punishments, you must be able to determine just the right amount of either. In order not to overdo the rewards or underwhelm the punishment, you may consider asking a trusted friend or family member to set up the system for you.

Lastly, if you’re still not sure if you can stick with your routine, find a buddy to complete this “challenge” with you! A trusted friend or family member can help you stay accountable, keep you motivated, and help you track your progress.

My morning routine

To help you get an idea of how to actually implement the Millionaire Morning Routine as a student, below is my morning routine on a normal weekday. Note that because I have different classes each day, I get to wake up later on some days; this is a generalized schedule.

8:30 AM: Wake up and wash up (10 minutes without my phone!)

8:35 AM: Do a 5-minute stretch and mindfulness session

8:40 AM: Get dressed and do my makeup (I often listen to a podcast, Up First from NPR at the same time)

8:50 AM: Journal or read the news for 10 minutes (I sometimes get lazy and scroll through social media instead)

9:00 AM: Leave for breakfast at the dining hall (I always eat breakfast, even if it’s very small)

9:25 AM: Leave for my first class at 9:30AM

Conclusion

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same goes for routines and habits! Don’t expect to master your routine overnight– it will take some time for you to get used to, adjust to fit your lifestyle, and truly become a part of your daily life.

Be patient, stay motivated, and be persistent. With a Millionaire Morning Routine, you’ll be able to transform your student life in no time.

If you enjoyed this post, you may like these related posts:

• How To Study For Long Hours In 8 Super Simple Steps
• 5 Common Myths About Studying That Are Ruining Your Productivity
• 16 Legit Ways To Make Money Online
• What To Do Between Classes: 19 Productive Activities
• The Perfect College Morning Routine

The post The Millionaire Morning Routine: Student Edition appeared first on Sincerely Students.

But are you really maximizing the potential of your morning routine? In this post, I’ll be revealing the 6 foolproof steps to transform your morning routine.

If you’re ready to have a productive and healthy morning, let’s dive right into the post.

Set no more than 2 alarms

Waking up early is one of the keys to a productive morning routine. But not many of us are able to naturally wake up early without wanting to dive straight back into bed. Here’s where alarms come in helpful.

Though I mentioned in my earlier post, 7 Brilliant Tips To Wake Up Earlier, that you could try setting just 2 alarms or setting multiple alarms by intervals, the former may be more effective.

It’s perfectly normal to not want to get up immediately after waking up. With the 2-alarm system, you’ll be setting the first alarm to actually wake up and the second one to get up. 

One reason you should not set multiple alarms by intervals (which I know a lot of students like to do) is that you become overdependent on the next alarm. Therefore, it’s more effective to stick with the 2-alarm system.

No screen time until breakfast

If you’re one to check your phone and start scrolling through Instagram as soon as you wake up, it’s time to break that bad habit! As we all know, social media has the power to chain us to our phones for an ungodly amount of time. To prevent wasting hours after waking up early, avoid using your phone until breakfast.

If your morning routine is anything like mine, you usually wake up, make your bed, wash up, get dressed, then start making breakfast. As long as you follow a routine similar to this, you shouldn’t have much trouble with avoiding your phone!

However, once you’ve got to breakfast and have successfully woken up your mind and body, feel free to use your phone to your advantage! This means listening to an episode of a motivational podcast, reading the news, calling a friend, etc.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS POST: 75 Morning Routine Ideas That Will Change Your Life

Eat breakfast & drink water

Never skip breakfast! Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day, and the first time you eat after (usually) over 12 hours! Some students like to skip breakfast to save time, but unless you genuinely do not have enough food, you should always eat breakfast.

Even if you’re short on time, there are many easy and quick breakfast options for you, like a bowl of instant oatmeal, a ham-and-cheese sandwich, some fried veggies and eggs, etc.

At the same time, remember to drink water after waking up! Your body needs in the morning, and drinking water (hot and cold both have its benefits, so it’s up to you and what you’re feeling that day) will help start your day off on the right foot.

Make a to-do list (with times)

One of the things every student must do either in the morning or the evening before is to make a to-do list. To-do lists help you organize your day, maximize your efficiency, minimize stress, and overall guarantee a productive day.

However, a regular to-do list might not be enough for busy students like you. If you feel that you tend to ignore your to-do list until it’s too late (known as procrastinating), try assigning each task a time.

On your to-do list, write a start time for each task. You can also choose to include its duration (how long it should take and when it should end), but that’s up to you.

This is inherently similar to time-blocking your day (see the image below) but less visual. Whether you choose to time-block your day on a calendar or simply write out a to-do list with times is completely up to you, and you can try both out to see what works for you.

CHECK IT OUT: How To Actually Stop Procrastinating

Schedule time for “nothing”

In your to-do list or time-blocked morning schedule, make some time for nothing. This will be the time when you’re not obligated to do anything but take time for yourself and do something you want to, just because you can.

You can make this “nothing” time as long and short as you want, but don’t procrastinate the entire morning and tell yourself it was self-care. I’ve found that the perfect amount of time for me to both relax yet not completely slack off is around 20 minutes.

In your time for “nothing”, you can do many activities. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Meditate
• Journal
• Think (but don’t overthink)
• Stretch
• Study
• Call a friend
• Play with your pets

Prepare the night before

To make your morning as stress-free as possible, plan it out beforehand. Make your to-do list or time block the next day before you go to bed, and you’ll wake up with everything already laid out for you.

Similarly, also prepare the physical supplies you’ll need the next morning. Other than your outfit, a bottle of water, and other necessities, also make sure your backpack is ready (if you’re going to “real” school) or your laptop is charged (if you’re an online student). 

If you’ve prepared everything you need the night before, you can start your mornings knowing that all you need to do is to follow the plan you’ve made and watch your day fold out just as you intended!

Conclusion

With these 6 simple tips, you’ll be able to create and follow a morning routine that ensures a productive day! I hope these helped you, and make sure to leave a comment to let me know what your morning looks like!

And if you’re looking for more posts like this, here are my latest posts:

• 10 New Habits To Build This School Semester
• 7 Brilliant Tips To Wake Up Early In The Morning
• 8 Daily Habits Of Highly Successful Students
• The Perfect College Morning Routine

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