Healthy habits consist of goals, smart planning and self-discipline. But what’s most important is starting them early on in the semester. It’s about building a foundation in order to thrive during stressful times, especially in the beginning, when you think it’ll be easy.
Here are the best ways to build healthy habits and promote self-care.
Eating right
Meal prepping isn’t just a time saver; it’s a life saver. By starting this at the beginning of the year, you allow your body to regulate meal times and adjust accordingly.
High-protein meals and proper water intake can prevent unhealthy snacking and keep you more full throughout the day.
Even small additions, like making sure every member of the food group is incorporated in each meal, help. Staying healthy and hydrated will do wonders for focus levels and mood.
Settling into a routine
Maybe it’s coffee every Friday or going to the gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Either way, a routine is beneficial for your mind and your body. Not only does it promote health but also benefits your sleep pattern and eating pattern, all of which will make you more productive.
Routines provide structure when academic demands rise, making it easier to stay consistent towards work and self-care. By setting time aside for both, this balance will keep stress from taking over.
Prioritizing your social well-being
It’s important to learn how to say no to overcommitments. Whether it’s a social outing or academic, protect your mental health by practicing balance, not burnout. Making intentional time for meaningful things, like seeing your friends, attending a study group or doing calming activities, can help boost your emotional state.
Practicing good sleeping habits
Pulling all-nighters may feel productive, but they often cause issues in the long run. Getting around 7-10 hours consistently strengthens memory, mood and overall core functions of the body. Creating a proper nighttime routine to wind down, such as limiting screen time 30 minutes before bed or drinking tea, can help signal your body for when it is time to rest.
Consistent sleep is one of the strongest benefactors of academic progress, so treating rest as a non-negotiable is key to doing well.
Wellness isn’t just for the hard times; it’s for the entire year. It’s important to remember that staying healthy and happy throughout the year, especially early on, can set you up for later success. Starting strong with proper habits ensures you have the energy to see it through.
Safa Razvi is a sophomore studying journalism. Do you agree that starting healthy habits early in the semester leads to long-term success? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com
