New Year, New Routine: Establishing Healthy Habits as a Student

The new year is all about fresh starts, and the clock is ticking towards 2024, which brings the perfect opportunity for students to establish habits that promote well-being and balance in their university life.

But with so much to think about during this festive period, the new year probably seems a million miles away, and you may have even started to think about establishing healthy habits in 2024. There’s no need to stress, though, because Mighty Student Living has got you covered. Think of us as your cool older friend who’s been there, mastered that, and is ready to hand down the cheat sheets!

So, without further ado, let’s take a look into how to establish a new routine and healthy habits in 2024.

1.    Setting Goals and Priorities

First things first, it all starts with building a healthy routine by setting clear and realistic goals. Think about what you want to achieve in 2024, both academically and personally. But don’t go into panic mode just yet. The secret factor to success is breaking these goals down into smaller, manageable tasks. Remember that life’s a marathon, not a sprint, so focus on your progress, even if that means there’ll be a struggle sometimes. Remember, small, consistent improvements are more important than perfection. As people say, nobody’s perfect, right?

2.    Time Management and Study Habits

Time management? That’s your secret ingredient in the quest for a balanced student experience. To get ahead with time management planning, create a study schedule that includes specific times for lectures, revision, and assignments. Utilise tools like planners or digital apps to keep track of deadlines and commitments, and remember that it’s okay if you find that one method of time management doesn’t work for you. Everyone’s different, so trial various planners, apps, and schedules to find the best way to manage your time.

3.    Incorporating Exercise and Movement

Even though a lot of your time at university is taken up by working on your studies, don’t just focus on your brain muscles, as physical activity is equally important. Staying active helps keep you fit in both body and mind, so it’s crucial to set time aside for physical movement in whatever capacity works for you.

If you’re staying in our student accommodation in Lancaster, you’ll be pleased to know that the city offers various opportunities for exercise, from gym memberships to scenic walks in Williamson Park. Find an activity that you enjoy, be it yoga, running, or team sports, and make it a part of your weekly routine.

4.    Healthy Eating and Nutrition

We get it! When you’re an overloaded, tired student, ready meals start looking like a safe option. But before you choose convenience food, you need to understand there’s a world of yummier, healthier options to explore that will benefit you much more in the long run. Imagine a plate loaded with all the vibrant colours of fruits, veggies, and whole grains – it’s like a party for your tastebuds and, at the same time, the brain food you need to stay focused and energised while studying.

We also recommend checking out the markets on Wednesdays and Sundays in the city centre, within walking distance from many of our student houses in Lancaster. Here, you’ve got plenty of fresh and budget-friendly produce to keep your fridge stocked and your body active.

5.    Self-Care and Stress Management

Let’s be real: university life can be as wild as a roller-coaster ride at times. With all the deadlines, lectures, and social commitments coming at you fast, it’s easy to forget to slow down sometimes, take a breath, and chill. And that’s where a good old self-care routine comes to the rescue! Here are some self-pampering ideas to sprinkle in your routine:

·       Meditation: Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and find your zen.

·       Reading: Escape the real world, cuddle up with a book, and explore new realms.

·       Creative hobbies: Painting, writing, knitting – unleash your inner artist!

·       A warm beverage: Sip on tea or hot chocolate (marshmallows optional, but highly recommended).

·       Nature walks: Breathe in the fresh air and soak in some calming greenery.

·       Bath time: Envelope yourself in warm water and soothing scents.

·       Listen to music or podcasts: Choose your mood, play your tunes, and disappear into sound waves.

·       Pampering spa time at home: Face masks, mani-pedis, and maybe even DIY hair treatments are super fun ways to bond with housemates and relax at the same time.

Remember, if you need help establishing healthy habits, don’t hesitate to seek support from university services or friends. It’s essential to create a support network to help one another through tough times. The team at Mighty Student Living are also here to help whenever you need us. In fact, we’re excited to support you on this incredible journey in 2024!

You can contact us online, by phone on 01524 544222, or by email at [email protected] – don’t be afraid to ask for help.