🗞️ Finding Calm in September: How to Ritualise Your Mornings

(Because October Break Is just around the corner!)

September has sauntered in, bringing with it shorter daylight, the scent of changing leaves — and perhaps, if you’re honest, a backlog of tired mornings. But before the yawns settle in as full‑time roommates, there’s good news: the October Break is just three weeks away. (edinburghcollege.ac.uk) That gives you just enough runway to reboot your routine, boost your energy, and make your mornings something you don’t need multiple coffees to survive.

And before we go any further — a huge thank you to everyone who attended our Freshers’ stalls! It was a brilliant turnout, and we loved meeting so many of you.

Now, back to the mornings...

☀️ Here are some playful yet practical strategies for creating a calmer start to your day — so you glide into October feeling recharged, not just caffeinated:

1. Wake Up With Intention (Not Just the Snooze Button)

Pick one “anchor ritual” before you even get out of bed. Maybe it’s stretching, maybe a moment of gratitude — something small that says: I’m starting the day on my terms.

Try to wake up at a consistent time. Even if you’re tempted to stay in, those extra fifteen minutes of routine make a big difference to your energy.

2. Routine: The Morning’s Secret Superpower

Map out your morning in little steps: hydration, hygiene, movement. Even a few squats or a walk around the garden can help signal to your body that “awake” mode is engaged.

Prepare the night before: clothes laid out, bag packed, breakfast options thought through. The fewer decisions in the morning, the more energy you save.

Limit screen time until after you’ve done something nourishing — journal, stretch, or just sit and breathe.

3. Energy Hacks That Actually Work

• Morning sunlight (or a bright lamp) helps reset your internal clock.

• Fuel up. A balanced breakfast — say, protein + whole grain + fruit — can steady your energy rather than spike it.

• Move a little. Even five minutes of movement (a few stretches, dance like nobody’s watching) gets endorphins flowing.

4. Look Forward: October Break Is Near

Knowing there’s a break coming can be a surprisingly strong motivator. With only three weeks until the Edinburgh College October Break (13–17 October) according to the Edinburgh College Calendar, you’ve got a manageable span to try some new habits, test what works, and build momentum.

Use this period as your “trial run” — try one or two changes each week so by the break, you’ve got something that feels calming and sustainable.

🎨 Coming Up: Paint 'n' Sip — Spooky Edition!

We’re excited to announce our next event:
🎃 Paint 'n' Sip — Halloween Edition
🗓️ Thursday 23rd October
🎨 Come get creative, sip something cosy, and paint something spooky. Costumes welcome — and prizes may be involved 👀
Mark your calendars and join us for some relaxed, artsy fun!

Why This Matters

When your mornings are frantic, your whole day tends to echo the chaos. But when you build small rituals and routines, you anchor yourself: calmer mind, steadier mood, more energy to show up how you really want to.

Plus, imagine facing October Break feeling like you're giving yourself a high‑five, rather than just collapsing on the sofa.

🗓️ Want to check college holiday dates so you can plan your rest, recharge (or lie‑ins)? Here’s the calendar:
👉 Edinburgh College Holiday Calendar – Key Dates and Events

Thank you!
Your VP Welfare,
Sukinder 😊
It's going to be a cosy time of year!
Looking forward to seeing you at the Wellbeing Fair on the 29th of October at Sighthill! 💛