Non-Academic Habits to Keep You Sane as a Student

University life is often described as a balancing act—and it’s easy to let coursework and deadlines take over. But looking after your wellbeing shouldn’t be just another to-do item. Over the past few years, I’ve discovered a handful of non-academic habits that have helped me stay sane, motivated, and genuinely enjoy my time as a student. These aren’t about achieving more—they’re about living better, both in and out of the classroom. Here are my favourite non-academic habits for a happier, healthier student life.

1. Schedule 1 day off a week.

This is so important!! Have one day where you aren't worrying about uni work and fill it with things you actually enjoy. I even have a notes app of things I want to do—books I want to read, places I want to go, things to do with friends, a seasonal bucket list, etc. Then, when I'm thinking, "I wish I had time for that," I write it down. Having a proper break every week means I don't feel like I'm working constantly, and I actually have something to look forward to.

Personally, I used to think I couldn't afford to take a full day off, but after trying it, I noticed my stress levels drop, and my motivation increases. Research shows regular breaks can boost creativity and reduce burnout. What’s one thing you’d love to do on your day off? If you’re not sure where to start, make a short list of things you miss doing or new things you want to try. Even a simple walk with a friend can make a huge difference.

2. Have A Cut-Off Time

Everyone works differently, but having a point where I stop working has made such a difference. For me, that's usually around 10 pm because I'm much more productive in the morning. It also forces you to prioritize because you know you don't have unlimited time. Before you finish, write tomorrow's to-do list + quickly tidy your desk. Then you're done.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of working late into the night, but studies show that setting time boundaries helps improve sleep and productivity. If you struggle to stick to a cut-off time, set an alarm or schedule a relaxing activity as a reward. Remember, your brain needs time to wind down, too.

3. Go Outside Every Day

I don't negotiate with myself on this anymore. At the very least, I'll go for a walk. Ideally, I'll stretch, go to the gym, or do something more active. I used to treat exercise as something I'd do once all my work was finished, but I've realized it actually makes me more productive when I prioritize it. Same goes for eating properly + getting enough sleep.

Most people underestimate the impact of fresh air and movement—just 20 minutes outside can boost your mood and focus. If you find it hard to get outside, try pairing it with something fun, like listening to your favourite podcast. Even short daily walks can break up long study sessions and keep you from feeling cooped up.

4. Have a Life Outside Your Degree

Join a society. Play a sport. Get a hobby. Go to events. Do something completely unrelated to your course. Having something else going on gives you a break from studying + means your entire life isn't dependent on how well your degree is going. Uni is about more than your degree!!

I was already participating in campus events from my first year, so when I joined a society in my second year, it completely changed my experience—I met new friends, tried new things, and always had something to look forward to outside of lectures. If you feel nervous about joining something new, remember that most students are looking for a way to meet people, too. Check out your university’s events calendar, or try volunteering for a cause you care about. What’s one activity you’ve always wanted to try?

5. Be Intentional With Your Mornings

Please don't wake up and immediately spend 45 minutes scrolling. It’s so easy to fall into this habit, but research shows that starting your day on your phone can increase stress and make it harder to focus. Instead, try putting your phone out of reach and picking one thing to do for yourself first thing in the morning—no matter how small. For example, I started reading a few pages of a book before checking my notifications, and it set a much calmer tone for my day.

I try not to check my phone first thing and instead do something for myself:

→ say good morning to my family

→ pray

→ make breakfast

→ read

→ plan my day

→ get ready properly

You don't need some 5 am morning routine. Just try not to start the day consuming everyone else's lives before you've even started your own.

If you’re not sure what to try, pick one thing you’d actually enjoy in the morning, whether it’s making breakfast or stretching for five minutes. The key is to be intentional, not perfect.

6. Have Something That Is Just For Fun

Not everything needs to be productive. Read a book because you want to. Watch a silly TV show. Bake something, go for coffee with a friend. Play a sport. Whatever. I think students can accidentally turn every hobby into something they feel they're supposed to "get something out of." Sometimes the point is just enjoying it.

When was the last time you did something simply for fun? Making time for joy can actually help you recharge and come back to your work with fresh energy. If you struggle with this, try blocking out an hour each week for a guilt-free fun activity—no strings attached.

Welcoming Change: How I’m Prioritizing Wellness This Semester

Like I mentioned last week, I’ve learned lately that I thrive on routine. I love knowing what’s coming next, and I get a weird sense of satisfaction from a well-organized planner. So, stepping into this new semester feels both exciting and a little bit chaotic. From September through December, my world is going to be a blur of classes—six, if you count all the labs (and my planner definitely does!)—plus about 27 hours of work a week. That’s a lot, even for someone who loves a good checklist.

But here’s the honest truth: it’s my first semester at a new school, and even with some familiar faces around, I still get those first-day jitters. There’s this unique blend of nervousness and anticipation when you’re stepping into the unknown, and it’s definitely making itself known right now. What I’m most excited about is finally starting my degree - it’s a milestone I’ve been working toward for a long time. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little overwhelmed, too. Moving from a college where everyone knows everyone (all 350 of us!) to a university of 12,000 is a seriously big leap. Part of me is wondering how I’ll find my place; the other part is hopeful that this is where I’ll grow, stretch, and maybe find a new rhythm that’s even better than before.

If I’m being honest, I want this season to be about more than just keeping up - I want it to be about wellness. I want to find small ways to take care of myself, even when the days feel jam-packed. Maybe that means getting outside between classes, making time for a real meal, or just pausing to breathe and check in with myself. I want to remember that I don’t have to do everything perfectly - sometimes just showing up and giving myself a little grace is enough.

Looking ahead, I want to be really intentional about what I accomplish - not just in school, but in my life as a whole. Academically, making new friends and pushing myself outside my comfort zone are at the top of my list. But just as important to me is focusing on my own wellness: making sure I’m not just surviving, but actually thriving. I want to prioritize good sleep, eat nourishing meals, and carve out moments for myself, even when it feels like there’s no time. I want to experiment with new routines, try things that make me a little nervous, and chase after experiences that stretch me.

Part of my goal is to notice when I need a break and give myself permission to take it. I’m learning that wellness isn’t just about bubble baths (though those are great!)—it’s about checking in on my mental health, setting boundaries, and being kind to myself when things get tough. If I can finish this semester feeling proud of the ways I’ve grown, both in and out of the classroom, I’ll call that a win.

Beyond academics, I want my life to feel balanced, meaningful, and yes, joyful. With such a busy schedule, I’ve realized that self-care isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. I’m vowing to really listen to my body this semester and take rest seriously, rather than always pushing through exhaustion. That might mean reading a book just for fun, taking a walk outside, or saying yes to a coffee date with a friend, even when there’s homework waiting. I want to build small rituals into my days—morning stretches, journaling before bed, or simply stepping outside for a few deep breaths.

Faith is another anchor for me; I plan to protect my Sabbath on Sundays and join my friend’s mid-week Bible study as a way to recharge spiritually. I also want to get better at saying “no” to things that don’t serve my wellness, even when it’s hard. I’m determined not to sacrifice what matters most just because I’m busy - whether that’s sleep, friendships, time with God, or my own peace of mind. I want to remember that rest is productive, too.

When I picture the months ahead, I hope each day feels like a mix of productivity, rest, fulfillment, intention, and a splash of adventure. Of course, I want to get things done and keep up with my classes, but I also want to be present - with friends, with myself, and with whatever’s happening in the moment. Some days I’ll need to push myself to finish a big assignment, and other days the best thing I can do is take a break, go for a walk, or try something new just for fun.

I really want to build little moments of wellness into every day, whether that’s through a good meal, a mindful pause, or making time for a hobby. Consistency matters, but so does giving myself grace when things don’t go perfectly. By being intentional, I think I can create the kind of days - and semester - that truly feel meaningful and connected.

By the time December rolls around, I want to look back and see a semester full of moments that made me smile, challenged me, and helped me grow. I hope I’ll be able to say that I honoured my own wellness along the way—that I listened to what I needed, even on the busiest days, and wasn’t afraid to set boundaries or ask for help. I want to remember nights spent laughing with friends, quiet moments of reflection, and the feeling of being brave enough to say yes to something new.

If I can end this semester feeling like I lived intentionally—prioritizing not just achievement, but also joy, rest, and connection—then I’ll know I made the most of these months. That, to me, is what a well-lived semester really looks like.

Rest Isn’t Lazy: Building a Wellness Day into My Routine

Something I’ve learned about myself over the past couple of months is that I love routine. I like structure, and I like knowing what comes next throughout my day-to-day life. I can sometimes find it challenging to fit something new into my routine because when I want to add something that I know will help me in the long run, it can make me frustrated or annoyed with myself. After all, I am interrupting a routine I have built in my mind that I know works for me. Because of this, instead of making big changes in my daily routines, I have learned to start small. I will add something small to that day, and every few days or weeks after, I make that small change in the routine. I will add something else and follow that structure until my new routine for the day or week is set.

Honestly, I know I'm not alone here—does anyone else find it bizarrely hard actually to rest on their “rest day”? In Western culture, it sometimes feels like we’re expected to always be on the go and achieving something new. But I know this isn’t the case everywhere—in some parts of the world, people are much more intentional about rest, making it a natural and celebrated part of daily life. I think we could really learn from that! In a world that celebrates hustle, slowing down can feel like swimming upstream, but I've realized that real rest is just as important for my well-being as any productive habit.

An example of this for me right now is creating a rest day, and for me, that is Sundays. I value rest, but I also like to keep going. I find it hard to set aside a day specifically for rest. As a Christian, having a rest day or Sabbath day is really important, and I’m actively trying to build a day of rest for me that not only gives me rest but also glorifies God. I know everyone’s background is different, so if faith isn’t part of your routine, feel free to adapt these ideas to fit your life and beliefs.

I have known for a while that I’ve wanted Sundays to be my rest day, so when I started working more, I made a note to myself that I wanted to have Sundays off completely, and every single week on Sundays, there is a block in my schedule that makes sure that I don’t have to work on that specific day. For a while, I have always said that Sundays were my “rest days”, but I am never actually rested on Sundays. I often follow the same routine every Sunday: wake up, go to church, go home, scroll on my phone, go to bed. On several occasions, it has crossed my mind that I need to make Sundays restful for myself while also finding a way to glorify God.

For example, I am going to share my “ultimate sabbath/rest day routine.” I’ll admit, I don’t do every single thing on this list, but I am actively striving to do everything on it one Sunday. This is a shortened list because sharing absolutely everything on it would make this blog super long. Still, as I said before, this is currently what I am striving to do, and I hope that this will encourage you also to find a day in your schedule to take as a rest day where you aren’t doing anything and just giving yourself the rest you need for the week ahead.

My Sunday Rest + Reset:

Faith

• Go to church

• Spend quiet time with God

• Read my Bible + reflect on what stood out

• Pray over the week ahead

Reset

• Wash my sheets + do laundry

• Clean and tidy my space

• Reset my bathroom + bedroom

• Put everything back where it belongs

Prepare

• Look over the week ahead

• Choose my top priorities

• Prepare for Monday

• Make sure my bags, devices, and essentials are ready

Care

• Take an everything shower

• Do whatever self-care I need that week

• Put on clean, comfy clothes

• Slow down and take care of myself

Rest

• Spend time outside

• Read, journal, or do something creative

• Spend intentional time with people I love

• Step away from social media

• Do something simply because I enjoy it

Close the Day

• Make my space cozy

• Put my phone away

• Reflect on what I’m grateful for

• Ask myself: What do I want to carry into this week, and what can I leave behind?

• Pray + get a full night of sleep

Starting in September, I’m going back to school with a very full course load and work schedule, so having Sundays as my designated rest, recharge, and wellness days is important for me to find time to sit down and recharge after a very full and busy week of school and work.

Making Space for What Matters

Living well, at least for me, is all about giving myself space to rest, recover, and recharge—on purpose. That usually means I’m curled up with a book (either on my Kindle or, if I’m feeling fancy, an actual physical copy—the key thing here is not reading on my phone), flipping through my Bible, hanging out with my friends or family, or heading off on little adventures nearby or wherever I can. Basically, it’s about putting my phone away and actually being present with the people and things right in front of me. It sounds simple, but honestly, it makes all the difference.

A few things really help me feel present in my life. One of my favourites is helping my dad cook. I’ve picked up so much just from watching him do his thing in the kitchen. Even if I’m not hands-on, I usually end up perched on a barstool, tossing questions his way—stuff like, why are you chopping that like this, or why fry instead of bake? I’ve learned that cooking (and honestly, life) doesn’t always happen at the snap of your fingers. You’ve got to slow down, pay attention, and practice.

Another thing: playing board games with my mom. We’re creatures of habit and cycle through the same three games (cribbage, backgammon, and Skip-Bo), but it never gets old. We always wind up laughing, and for those 15–30 minutes, our phones stay out of sight, and it’s just us, enjoying each other’s company. I try to catch these moments whenever our schedules line up—it’s a small thing, but I always feel a bit lighter afterwards, like it was time well spent.

And honestly? Just going for a walk is huge, too.

Lately, I’ve been making a point to take my walks without music or my phone glued to my hand. If I’m downtown, I tune in to the sounds—cars zooming by, people chatting, birds and planes overhead. If I’m just wandering my neighbourhood, it’s all about that quiet, the odd car, or a random breeze. I’ll catch myself staring up at the mountains or checking out the different buildings. It’s become a little habit to just let my mind wander or have a quiet prayer walk (literally just praying as I walk).

Oh, and random aside—a shoutout to this wellness app I use, called Finch. It’s this cute little thing where you get a digital bird that cheers you on. The app’s honestly kept me sane and on track during some weird times, and it helps me do those everyday tasks I’d probably forget about otherwise. Finishing a reminder and having that little bird celebrate? Weirdly satisfying.

Something that makes an ordinary day feel meaningful? Getting a totally random, encouraging text from a friend. I try to send those out sometimes too, but when one lands in my inbox, it never fails to make my day better. Then there are those moments where you just share a laugh with someone—maybe it’s a dumb inside joke with a friend or something silly that happens at home—and suddenly things don’t feel so heavy.

Honestly, even ticking off a small thing on my to-do list or finishing a book feels like a win. And don’t get me started on the little things you notice when you slow down: the sun through the trees, birds making a racket, or stumbling on a patch of flowers you swear wasn’t there yesterday. All these tiny moments—whether I’m with someone or on my own—remind me that you don’t need fireworks for a day to feel meaningful. Most of the time, it’s the small stuff that really sticks.

Lately, I’m really trying to figure out how to fill my alone time with stuff that actually fills me up, not just drains me. Picking up a book instead of doom-scrolling on my phone, that kind of thing. It’s honestly way too easy to fall into the phone trap—sometimes I grab it before I even realize what I’m doing!

Trying to do something new or start a hobby always feels like a challenge, but I know it’s worth it. I’m learning to appreciate just being by myself, slowing down, and taking care of me. I’m still working on making those good choices a habit, and I’m not there yet, but I think the journey matters. If you’re in the same boat, trust me, I get it.

Honestly, I just want to be the kind of person who knows how to fill her own bucket—someone who’s learning, trying new things, and figuring out how to actually rest instead of just zoning out. I want to handle stress in healthier ways, even when the people around me might not have all the answers or support I need.

My hope is to be someone friends and family can count on, whether things are awesome or falling apart (because let’s be real, life is messy). I want to be resilient, kind, and steady—the reliable one you can text at midnight or celebrate with when something great happens. Still working on it, but that’s the goal.