College is a time when good habits are instrumental in developing because you will walk into the "real world" with them so soon. That's why I made these 9 habit switches to root myself in faithful habits, and I have already seen the benefits in my relationship with the Lord and with others, as well as in how I carry myself and walk through life.
I hope that this post gives you some ideas for habit switches for your daily life, your relationship with the Lord, and your overall college experience!
1. PraYing when walking to class
Prayer walks when I'm walking to class instead of listening to music, looking at my phone, etc, have been such a hard but rewarding switch. I'm not perfect at doing it every day when I'm walking to class because I sometimes forget or get distracted (It's ok when this happens, we're all imperfect!)
But I find it much more beneficial to me than just listening to music or texting someone. Be present.
2. affirmation/reminder Titles on my alarms.
Putting little affirmations, encouragement, or reminders of the Lord's faithfulness on the titles of my alarms has been a recent favorite habit of mine. This way, if I go to hit "snooze" on my alarm, I am automatically reminded, "The bible says don't be lazy, so get up!" or "God woke you up today!", or "It's going to be a good day!".
This helps me to get out of bed right when my alarm goes off and to start my day with a joyful and expectant heart.
3. Getting ready for the day with intention
Taking the time to put yourself together in the morning is not frivolous. It is taking the time to steward your body well and take care of the temple that God entrusted you with. And I totally believe in the "look good, feel good" mantra!
To learn more about How To Build A Morning Routine That Honors God, read here.
4. Thanking God for the little blessings.
Start thanking God for the little blessings, like getting all green lights when you're late to class, the kindness of a stranger who pays for your coffee, or a good grade on a test.
It doesn't need to be a big prayer; it's just about acknowledging His goodness. I'll normally just say "Lord, thank you for xyz!"
5. Reminding myself regularly that the degree I'm pursuing is for God's glory.
I am constantly reminding myself that pursuing my undergraduate degree and my career is ultimately to glorify God.
This helps me to check my motives, desires, and intentions.
6. Prioritizing quiet time first thing in the morning
Making time in my morning routine for my devotion and quiet time with God has been instrumental in my relationship with Him. It has helped me to set my priorities and desires straight before starting my day or even leaving my room.
7. Make time for a weekly small group
Prioritize carving out time in your week to spend in Godly community, ideally in a Bible study or small group, to surround yourself with like-minded people pursuing the same thing.
Community is so important! It gives us people to confide in, relate to, walk alongside, learn from, and encourage us when life inevitably gets hard.
8. Deleting my personal social media
This is not so much a habit I implemented as one I broke. I found that social media was only causing me to compare myself to others, become envious, crave prestige, value material things in an unhealthy way, doubt my own gifts, waste valuable time out of my day, and so much more.
I gave it up for 3 weeks for a period of prayer and fasting within my church, and I found myself so much happier; the difference was unfathomable. I encourage you to try this! Get rid of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or all of the above for a week or even just a few days and see how you feel.
9. BEING INTENTIONAL WITH MY MUSIC CHOICE
I don't listen to music whose lyrics speak in a way I know God would not agree with, or that's explicit. This is hard! And I'm not perfect. I fail sometimes; it is also important to give yourself grace when trying to implement any of these habits, but of course, to try your very best and not knowingly live in sin.
I also replaced it with Christian artists and music that does not fill my brain with things of this world. Lately, I have been loving Josiah Queen and Forrest Frank!
These are just a few of the habits that help me the most in being intentional about honoring God in everything I do. Of course, everyone has their own personal convictions and things that help them grow closer to the Lord, so I just wanted to share a few of mine in case they may help any of y'all.
Start small and just add one or two habits this week. Making simple changes like these in your daily routine will change your heart and your relationship with the Lord for the better!
With Love,
Isabella XO
