The Importance of a Healthy Routine
Although it’s often labelled as monotonous and boring, a healthy routine for school can be an excellent tool to enhance focus, and boost productivity and positivity.
As a student, you might argue that routines are unnecessary. You already have set times for when school starts and ends, so that’s all you need, right? Wrong! Building a routine into daily life, that spans beyond school, is an extremely useful tool that comes with a heap load of benefits. Let’s face it, during the pandemic most of us lost all concept of a routine, and there wasn’t much going on to shape our days, was there? With restrictions easing and education returning to how it was, there is no better time (than now!) to build a healthy routine into your life.
Not only do routines increase productivity and stimulation, but they have such a great impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Put it this way, if you have a clear direction of what needs to be done, you strive to achieve it in the time given. Then, the breaks that come in between are more fulfilling, relaxing and well-deserved, which ultimately boosts your mood!
SLEEP
…and it all starts with sleep! It is important to make the best use of the time we have during the day and this starts, first and foremost, with a good sleep. For teenagers, try to aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night to restock up on energy for the day ahead. Try to reduce screen time too close to bedtime to allow your brain to wind down. You will notice a massive difference.
STRUCTURE
Next, you can start working out what lessons you have fixed in your agenda for the week ahead. This can allow you to map out the time you have available, outside of school, to complete homework, socialise and do your hobbies. Remember, be realistic and don’t try to cram too much into a small amount of time as this will cause a “burnout”, which defeats the whole purpose of what you are trying to achieve. Don’t forget about those breaks!
HEALTHY HABITS
While your body is trying its best to fulfil the requirements of its new routine, don’t forget to replenish it with lots of goodness. Keep hydrated! A good water bottle is the best way to ensure you’re drinking enough H20 everyday. Our bodies need lots of vitamins and minerals to help to keep it thriving, so make sure you’re adding lots of vegetables and fruit into your meals. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of movement. Whether it’s going to an exercise class, taking yourself for a run or short walk, our bodies need time to re-energise after all the hard work it does studying and the best way is to stay active!
Once you have created your perfect routine, it is worth taking a few minutes to document your thoughts and feelings at the end of the day. This will provide the evidence you need to trust in the power of a healthy routine!
By Sarah Camilleri, British Tutors, 2022