Congratulations, Rams! We’ve made it through an official full week of the fall semester! Whether that means sprinting to your 8:30 a.m. classes, or 6 p.m. classes, figuring out where your classes are is an accomplishment in itself. Now that the first week’s chaos is settled, the next question remains: How do we settle into a daily routine that helps us stay grounded and on the right track to success? 

As college students, we’ve all heard the expression “maintain a well-holistic balance in lifestyle.” But the question is always, “How?” It’s easier said than done. We know it can be challenging to maintain a well-holistic, balanced lifestyle. As a third-year student, building a morning and night schedule helps my mental and physical well-being, both academically and socially. 

Let’s talk mornings. For some students, mornings are precious — sacred, peaceful times to embrace the early minutes of the day. However for some, like myself, it’s the least exciting part of the day, pressing snooze one, or five, too many times. 

This might seem silly, but granting 20-30 minutes of waking-up time — including having coffee and breakfast, checking emails, homework, scheduling and planning for the day — can set up a stress-reduced day by increasing productivity. The stimulation we get in the morning is significantly impactful on how the rest of our day will set. Some students like to meditate to help clear their minds and remove any negativity. I personally like to wake up an hour before my classes to have time to make my favorite Keurig-brewed coffee, pick out my outfit, check emails and/or classwork and journal, reflecting on my goals and intentions. This routine, which I have established over the past two years, involves switching it up and finding what works for me. Regardless of the approach, finding a schedule that works for you is the most important thing. 

Equally important is how we end the day. It’s been a long day with classes, extracurriculars, sports and assignments. For most students, nights can be a tremendously stressful time as assignments, due dates and quizzes pile up, taking hours away from sleep.

For me, how I wind down impacts my sleep schedule. As a first-year, I would wind down by scrolling through TikTok until 2 a.m., knowing I would have to wake up in six hours for class, and then wonder why I felt so exhausted in my 8:30 a.m. classes. But now, I set aside electronics other than my laptop for assignments and read or journal to help relax and alleviate any stresses from the day. As I have adjusted my nightly schedule, I’ve noticed that my sleep has improved due to the reduced stimulation my brain receives. As addictive as scrolling through TikTok was, the stimulation the electronics create fizzes out and engages you, creating an addiction to stay up longer, taking away those cherished hours of beauty sleep. In order to get a good night’s sleep, stress levels must be reduced. The key to following a relaxing nightly schedule comes with consistency. A habit is developed within 27 days of consistent practice, so it is never too late to break or start a new one! 

Beyond the obvious routines of getting to class, studying and eating, it comes with a key component of consistency. Life can be unpredictable — especially college life, where we are all coming to our senses of living independently. Having a routine helps structure us and maintain our well-being, knowing that we have a set routine to follow. 

So, how do you start? Easy. First, take one step at a time. You do not need to change up your routine to become the “It girl,” “Pilates Princess,” etc. It is about coming to terms with what feels good and beneficial for you. Set two goals to change and follow: one in the morning and one at night. As time progresses, you will know what you need to add or take away from to maintain that routine. There are 24 hours in a day, which seems like a lot, but as busy as college can be, it can feel overwhelming with the several errands and responsibilities we have to fulfill. Maybe it’s making your bed, or setting out clothes for the next day. It could even be five minutes of breathing exercises before sleep.

Experiment, adjust and be patient with yourself. It’s okay if your routine looks different from your roommate’s or changes over time. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. It’s built in the quiet moments — in the coffee sipped before sunrise, in the journal entries before bed and in the steady rhythm of a routine that works for you.

So take a deep breath. You made it through week one. Now it’s time to find your flow.