University is a busy time, and the thought of adding anything else into the daily routine can be daunting. But when it comes to your physical and emotional wellbeing, making room for a few new things can help you through those tough and stressful times.

Here are five of our favourite simply daily habits for students, which you can start today. 

Take time to stretch

Your body is made to move, but the more you sit still or stay in one place, the tighter and less able all of these parts become. Sure, you might not be interested in an Olympic career, but tightness in your muscles and joints can lead to headaches, back pain and all sorts of other nasty consequences. 

Taking time to stretch every morning instead of scrolling through social media, is going to serve you better in the long run. Plus, the immediate benefit of having more blood pumping through your veins first thing is going to feel great. Get started with some of these simple yoga routines.

Go for a walk (or just get outside)

This is sort of related to stretching and moving, but the benefits of a nice long walk extend to your mental health, too. We’re not going to bang on about the benefits of fresh air, but taking some time out to look at trees and the sky for a bit, instead of just screens and books… just try it and see. If walking isn’t an option for you, you’ll still reap the benefits of a little jolly in the great outdoors.

Tip: Not sure where to go? Google ‘Parks near me’, or just open up Google Maps!

Make something from scratch

A sandwich, a soup, a cake, a painting or a paper aeroplane, making things feels good, and giving your mind something new to focus on aside from your daily studies means you’ll come back to work with renewed focus. Here’s a big list of 107 cookie recipes to get you started.

Ask someone about their day, every day

In addition to making them feel good, you might just learn something. Need help with your concentration? Check out this Guardian article on how to be a better listener.

Go to bed (and get up) at the same time

Alright, so this is a tough one for a lot of students on a busy schedule, but if you ever find yourself standing in the middle of your room wondering what you’re meant to be doing, it might be because your sleep is off. 

Regardless of how much sleep you as an individual need, try and regulate it by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day (yes, even on weekends). It can be a struggle at first, but stick it out and you’ll feel so much better for it. 

BONUS: Make a list and stick to it

Not everyone is a list-maker, but if you have a bunch of things to do and don’t know where to start, then making a list at the start of each day (or the night before) can help you to accomplish things faster. The sense of achievement that comes with ticking off tasks is pretty cool, as well. 

Want to write for us? We’re on the look out for great content, especially if you’re a current student in one of our locations (Exeter, Falmouth or Southampton).
Send us your idea at hello@acestudentliving.com