During this challenging time within our community, it can be difficult to remain in a routine and stay motivated. With numerous benefits to maintaining a routine, one main benefit is preserving our mental health.
Even though students are not constrained to a consistent class schedule, it is important to keep a routine. This can be as easy as planning to have meals around the same time every day and sticking with a consistent sleep schedule. With so much uncertainty, it is easy to feel out of control, however, having a routine allows us to feel more in control. Sleep is crucial to our mental state and it affects all of our overall well-being. Making sure to have downtime for ourselves is necessary, and it is likely that our days will be more productive and happier.
The word routine may sound daunting to some, but having a routine to keep the important stuff a priority is extremely beneficial. Whether this be rest time, exercising, socializing with friends or family, these things are what keep our mental health in check.
Another addition to a good daily routine is exercise. Sometimes life can be hectic, and it can be hard to fit things in such as exercise and rest, but these aspects have a huge impact on our day to day lives.
Exercise can boost our mood and if we feel able to make time to be active, it can bring about many positive aspects. Many of our campus buildings such as the Student Recreation Center are closed, and as we continue to adjust to these challenging times it can be hard to switch things up. At home workouts or fun activities can substitute for these changes.
One last activity that is helpful is eating a healthy diet. Eating foods that provide energy and nutrition is essential to having a healthy lifestyle. Working extra time into a routine for cooking and eating enables us to focus on our eating habits. When times are busy it can be easy to avoid cooking nutritional meals and eating well at consistent times, but if there’s time blocked in a daily routine, it becomes a priority.
Maintaining a routine is essential to maintaining mental well-being and it is something that is important to focus on during this hard time. Having a routine allows us to keep important things prioritized and it can provide a sense of control in this state we are all living in.
It is difficult adjusting to the new normal, so know that many resources available such as the Counseling and Testing Center and VandalCARE Report. As well as these resources, the Vandal Health Education social media pages are a great way to find tips on enhancing your mental well-being with topics focusing on coping, motivation, and routine building. We are all in this together!