Fall Wellness Routines - Building Meaningful Daily Routines
Written by: Bella Kats, 3rd Year Honours BMOS Consumer Behaviour
Photo by: Western Communications
How to Thrive During Exam Season
Maintaining self-care while working and studying at school can be difficult, but keeping a routine is key for your mental health. This is especially true when transitioning from having minimal to no school during the summer. Here are some strategies that help me balance coursework, self-care, and social commitments without completely burning out.
Wake Up Early
Waking up early can feel intimidating, but it’s a game changer. I usually get up around 8:00 AM on weekdays and closer to 6:00 AM during exams (when there’s a lot to get done). Starting earlier makes me more productive and frees up time in the evenings to hit the gym, hang out with friends, or just relax. Packing my lunch the night before also saves money and keeps me from scrambling for food between classes and study sessions.
Before diving into work, I map out my day by listing what I need to finish. Seeing tasks written out makes them less overwhelming and helps me prioritize. I also use this time to check emails and Brightspace announcements so I don’t miss anything important. Of course, waking up early means going to bed earlier too, so getting a full 8 hours of sleep is important.
Move Your Body
Taking breaks to move around really does make a difference, especially when your brain feels tired from studying. A quick walk, run, or gym session can reset your focus. The Thames Valley Parkway is one of my go-to spots while the weather’s still nice, and the Western Recreation Centre has an amazing gym with many different facilities.
Eat Well
Food is fuel. It is essential to keep up your energy - especially during the school year when your brain is working overtime. Try to make sure you are getting enough protein and include carbs and veggies in every meal. A quick snack or something with natural sugars can also help keep your brain awake and running.
Be Organized
Being organized never hurt anyone. I keep a visible to-do list for each day, whether it’s on my laptop screen, a sticky note, or a calendar reminder.
For bigger tasks, I like to break them into steps. For example, instead of writing down “finish essay”, I’ll write “find 3 sources,” “make outline,” or “write intro.” If I have to read 7 pages by the end of the week, I'll make a note in my calendar to read 1 page each day. It feels much less overwhelming and makes it easier to start. I also block off time in my calendar for studying just like I would for a class, so I don’t double-book myself with other commitments. Colour-coding subjects or deadlines can also help you quickly see what needs your attention first.
School can feel overwhelming, but having structure in your day makes a huge difference. Waking up early, moving your body, eating well, and staying organized all work together to keep you balanced. Taking care of yourself is just as important as studying, and with a healthy routine, you can get to exam season without burning out. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that Western offers a variety of wellness supports on campus, including mental health appointments. You can learn more at uwo.ca/health!
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