School in the winter can be rough. Dragging yourself out of bed for that 8:30 AM class after hitting snooze 58 times when it’s -142 degrees outside is definitely a struggle that many of us face. However, it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are my best tips for beating the winter blues for early mornings!
Dress nicely
As much as I kind of hate to admit it, I have found that if I dress somewhat nicely (I’m talking anything other than pajamas or sweats here, guys), I feel better throughout the day. I am better able to pay attention in class. It’s easier to focus on homework. Since my body is dressed and ready for the day, my brain follows suit. Even if I’m running late and just roll out of bed and throw on a sweatshirt for class, I make sure to put on jeans. It sounds weird, but little things like that really help!
Eat breakfast
It’s hard to pay attention in an early morning class when, along with still waking up, your stomach is growling! I have a little container of granola bars on my desk. I grab one every morning as I head out the door for class and eat it on my walk over there! Since I’m not hungry, I pay better attention in class and feel much more awake.
Treat yourself
I have about an hour break between my classes on most mornings, so sometimes I like to walk downtown or to the Kletz and grab coffee or a muffin, or I make something in my Keurig. This obviously isn’t necessary every day, but a little pick-me-up every once in a while doesn’t hurt!
Say your verse
Every morning, as soon as I wake up, I recite Lamentations 3:22-23 in my head before I do anything else. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.” It reminds me to live each day into the unending grace and love that God keeps offering to us anew. I would highly recommend finding a verse that you want to live out every day, memorize it, and make it a habit to say it every morning. It’s such a great way to start the day!
Talk to God
On the same type of thing, praying always helps me feel better about whatever I have going on that day. A lot of times, I pray in the shower. It’s a good chunk of time to peacefully talk to God and start the day feeling calm and loved!
Drink water
I think this one is pretty obvious, but also easy to overlook. Making sure to drink water always helps me feel better, and I wish I actually remembered to do it every morning!
Find something that makes you happy
This is different for everyone, but I try to make sure to do something to put me in a good mood before I leave in the morning. A lot of times, it’s listening to music (usually Ben Rector), but sometimes it’s dressing up a little nicer or getting up a little earlier and taking the time to sit down with my granola bar and read a little before class. Find something small and simple that cheers you up and do it!
Look forward
Having something to look forward to is a huge help to me for motivating me to start my day! Often, it’s looking forward to getting a grilled cheese in Phelps for lunch (YUM), chapel, hanging out with friends, or something longer-term, like spring break! Having something cool to work toward in the future is a big reason to get things done now!
What helps motivate you through these cold winter days? Leave a comment, tweet @hopekathryn17, or email me at kathryn.krieger@hope.edu! I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for reading!
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.