8 morning habits that keep me (and other students) sane

MANILA, Philippines – For students like me, mornings can be a make-or-break moment: Will I make it on time or will I break my perfect attendance streak? We battle with blaring alarms, hurried showers, and trying to function on minimal sleep after a long night of studying (or partying)!

But what if a few simple habits could make all the difference? Adding healthy routines to your morning can help you feel more in control, no matter how hectic things get.

Whether you’re living in a dorm, at home, alone, or just about to step into college life, here are some morning habits recommended by fellow college students (and myself) to help you have a better day.

Wake up early and set an alarm

How can you have time for a morning routine if you’re not waking up early, right?

Since high school (I’m now a third-year college student), waking up early has always been a challenge for me, especially after a sleepless night. I’m also a heavy sleeper. But I’ve learned that getting up early helps me avoid the morning rush and allows me to start my day on a much calmer and collected note. 

However, the struggle is real when the snooze button is just one click away! A student tip? Place your alarm clock far enough away that you have to get up to turn it off, but still loud enough to hear. You can also set alarms on your other devices to make sure you wake up.

I recommend the app Alarmy. It’s an alarm clock app with unique features that force you to wake up by requiring you to complete tasks before your alarm shuts off. Its tasks include solving math problems, memorizing patterns, shaking your phone a certain number of times, and more. It’s great for heavy sleepers who need that extra push to get out of bed.

Avoid your phone

I know, it can be tempting to swipe through our friend’s Instagram stories or check our professor’s email early in the morning, but checking your phone as soon as you wake up can have a big impact on how our day unfolds. It can overwhelm your brain, shifting you from a relaxed state to one of stress and distraction in seconds.

Instead, take advantage of slow mornings and quiet moments to cultivate mindfulness and stay present.

Make your bed

Making the bed may seem like a small task, but it can help you feel more in control of your day.

It’s a simple way to create a sense of order and accomplishment early on in the day. A neatly made bed also makes your space feel calmer, offering peace of mind and a comforting ambiance — that’s one less thing to stress about when you get home. 

Taking just a few minutes to tidy up gives you a small win that boosts your mood and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

Hydrate!

As your girl Mimiyuuuh said, “Drink your water B!” 

Even with my eyes still closed, hydrating by drinking water in the morning is one of the simplest yet healthy morning habits I do to kickstart my day. After hours of sleep, our body is naturally dehydrated, and water helps replenish what’s lost. 

Drinking water not only wakes you up, but also supports healthy skin, digestion, and energy levels —everything you need for a long day at school. While coffee may be tempting, take a moment to hydrate first and give your body what it needs.

Meditate

The world will soon get noisy, but embracing mindful meditations and silence in the mornings can help you feel more calm and centered.

When I first tried meditating, it honestly felt weird and a little pretentious. But I decided to stick with it, and to my surprise, my morning meditations started feeling less awkward and more like a little escape. It’s become my way of hitting pause before the chaos of the day begins.

Try out beginner-friendly meditation apps like Headspace and Insight Timer.

Student tip? Whether you prefer meditating alone or using a guided session on Spotify or YouTube, giving yourself those quiet moments in the morning can set a peaceful tone for the day. May it be deep breathing, a short meditation, or just practicing mindfulness, it helps me stay grounded and ready to take on whatever comes my way.

Morning pages

I know what you’re thinking. “What should I write about?”

I often write whatever comes to my mind — whether it’s about my dreams, goals for the week, plans for the day, or just anything, really. Journaling can help boost creativity and improve self-understanding. Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and emotions promotes self-reflection, allowing you to gain clarity and insight into your inner world even before you step outside of your home.

Stretching

Stretching in the morning has become a game-changer for me. It’s such a simple thing, but it helps wake up my body and get rid of that stiff, “just rolled out of bed” feeling. It’s like hitting the reset button for the day. Plus, it improves flexibility and gets the blood flowing!

Even if I’m running late, taking just a few minutes to stretch helps me feel less sluggish and more awake. Whether it’s a quick stretch or a more intense routine, it’s a great way to set a positive, energized tone for the day!

Exercise

After stretching, why not take it a step further with a full workout?

If I have enough free time in the morning (especially when professors cancel classes), I never miss the chance to squeeze in an early workout session. Some “student-friendly” exercises that work well with limited time and energy include morning walks or jogs, aerobics, and yoga. These activities are perfect for getting your blood pumping, releasing those feel-good endorphins, and staying both physically and mentally sharp. It’s amazing how even a quick session can make a big difference in how you feel and perform throughout the day!

I used to sacrifice one thing for another, like sneaking in 10 extra minutes of sleep but skipping breakfast, reviewing for a morning exam, or not doing my makeup and so much more, which left me feeling frustrated.

Honestly, I’m still working on staying consistent with my morning routine, but I’ve already seen how these habits have improved my day. They may seem small, but with consistency, they can lead to some pretty remarkable results. – Rappler.com

Zach Dayrit is a Rappler intern studying BS Psychology at Ateneo de Manila University.