Balancing college life can be challenging, but as a Junior at SUNY Cortland, I’ve discovered five daily habits that help me achieve success. These habits help to stay organized, improve my focus, and care for my mental and physical health.
- Eat breakfast
It has been proven that “breakfast eaters have better brain function, memory and attention.” If you are skipping breakfast because you claim you don’t have enough time in the morning, I recommend finding a protein or breakfast bar that you like. My favorite are the KIND Dark Chocolate Cocoa Protein Bars. You could also make overnight oats the night before so you can just grab them and go in the morning. Or, set your alarm for 10-15 minutes earlier to make time in your morning routine for breakfast.
- Use a planner
Planning out your tasks will ensure you have enough time to accomplish everything you need to do in a day. You can do this in your mind, on paper, or your computer. I use an app called Notion on my computer to organize my tasks, appointments, school work, events, etc. Also, be sure to designate a specific time for doing work, kind of like planning your study halls throughout the week. This way you’ll know when you’ll be doing your work and you will feel more confident that you can get your work done on time.
- Get exercise
Movement is very important for our physical health as well as our mental health. According to the CDC, “Higher physical activity and physical fitness levels are associated with improved cognitive performance (e.g., concentration, memory) among students.” It has been proven that exercising for as little as “20 minutes can improve your concentration and help you focus while studying“. The Student Life Center here at SUNY Cortland offers a multitude of possibilities when it comes to exercising. At the SLC, you can lift weights, walk the track, use a treadmill, rock climb, play basketball, and even swim in the pool or soak in the hot tub. Exercising is also just a great way to take a break during the day and get your energy out!
- Take breaks
Going off of the last tip, according to Cornell Health, taking study break minutes helps to refresh your brain and body as well as increase energy, productivity, and focus. These breaks can range from 5-60 minutes and can look different for everyone. After taking some time away from the assignment you were working on, you should feel re-energized and re-focused, making it easier to complete it. There are so many small ways to take breaks, but going on social media is not an effective one. According to a study from Bustle, “Participants who took a phone break mid-task took 19% longer to complete the assigned task, and solved 22% fewer problems than other participants.” Some effective ideas include taking a short nap, going on a walk, listening to music, tidying up your space, making a snack, etc.
Mastering these four daily habits has been extremely helpful while navigating the challenges of college life and being successful academically. By prioritizing my physical and mental well-being through eating breakfast, utilizing a planner, incorporating exercise, and taking effective breaks, these tips offer a balanced approach to a successful semester.