Our energy levels often fluctuate in college which creates challenges maintaining productivity and balance in our day. There are days where we wake up ready to complete all tasks on our to-do list, while others find us wanting to sleep all day. Instead of fighting against these fluctuations, understanding and embracing how we feel can be a beneficial way to optimize productivity, efficiency, and well-being. Try these three different daily routine ideas that adapt to your energy levels which can help to avoid burnout.

Low energy

• –  Begin day with reading, journaling, or anything that will create a relaxing start to your day
• –  Do schoolwork in small increments, taking lots of breaks in between and tackling large assignments in smaller tasks
• –  Prioritize fueling your body with lots of water and food
• –  Try to take a walk or move your body for an energy boost
• –  Have a reasonable cutoff time for work to have time for yourself before bed Medium energy

• –  Begin day with planning to organize what you’d like to accomplish
• –  Do schoolwork in alternating large and small time blocks, tackle the hardest tasks first
• –  Make sure you have time for going outdoors for fresh air

High energy

• –  Begin day with planning or jump straight into work
• –  Take time to exercise for a break and energy boost
• –  Do work in large blocks, tackling the hardest tasks first
• –  Make sure to wind down at night to get a good night’s rest