How I Made My University Life Magical (And Left Burnout Behind)
School can feel like a constant race. One minute, you’re done with an assignment; the next, you find yourself studying for exams with notes and textbooks all around the floor. Here’s how you can start romanticizing University instead:
Students often feel pressured to be productive at all times, as if their lives will fall apart the second they do something unrelated to school or career.
Sigh… Take a deep breath and listen bestie. Imma hold your hand when I tell you this: Productivity is nonexistent without self-care. You NEED to prioritize your body and soul before you can tackle things and work towards your goals.
I still remember how badly I burned out last year because I wasn’t caring for myself properly. My life was a constant sprint—no pauses, no reflections, just a relentless go-go-go mindset that left no room for me.
Stillness isn’t laziness, and rest is not a reward you earn after exhaustion. So, here’s how you can stop chasing the hustle culture and start romanticizing your day-to-day life instead.
The Hustle Culture Trap
You open LinkedIn, scroll through your feed, and compare yourself to your peers based on how much you think they have achieved. It happens to all of us.
Being in your 20s, especially, can make you feel behind and not doing enough. We tend to pressure ourselves to do more, to work harder, and to achieve more, not realizing how much progress we have already made.
The Hustle Culture is a toxic cycle that measures your success against others. Sacrficing sleep, joy, and sanity for the illusion of ‘winning’—only to realize you’re just running in place.
“You are not a machine designed to produce. You are a human being meant to experience.”
– Brianna Wiest (Author of The Mountain Is You)
A Guide To Romanticize Your University Life (from“Ugh, Lectures” to “Academia Core? Slayyy”
I didn’t do a full 180 overnight, but I started paying more attention to the little things that made me feel good. So, here’s the ultimate delulu guide to loving University life:
1. Slow Mornings Are Sacred
We’ve all been there: snoozing the alarm and opening your eyes to realize you’re about to be late! You rush to get off your bed and get ready before running out the door with a piece of toast in your mouth.
Now picture this: You wake up 15 minutes earlier to stretch a little before getting out of bed. Journal with calm music playing in the background and do a simple skincare routine to feel extra confident today.
Starting my day slowly helped shift my mindset. I have time to focus on myself before dealing with the world, and more importantly, I show up for myself before I show up for anyone else. Greeting the day with intention, not dread.
Tip: Start small. Even waking up 10–15 minutes earlier can help set a peaceful tone for the day.
2. Listen to Your Body (It Knows What’s Up)
Pay attention to your body, especially if you’re a woman. You become more radiant and harmonious when you’re in sync with your body’s rhythm.
Notice when you feel tired, hungry, or overstimulated; it’s a signal from your body: “Hey, it’s time we slow down and take a break so we don’t tire ourselves out!”
Stop feeling guilty for napping; eat what makes you feel good, and yes, it’s alright if you skip a workout when your body is literally begging for rest.
Tip: Check in with your body like you would with a friend—ask what it needs. Body scanning meditation also helps.
3. Romanticize the Mundane
Best way to romanticize life? Pretend you’re the main character of a movie, but wait, there’s no need to pretend because YOU ARE the main character of your life (your own movie)!
Walking to class? Play movie soundtrack in your earphones. Doing laundry or dishes? Light a candle or listen to a podcast. Studying? Make it cozy with blanket, tea, and soft lighting. It’s all up to you!
Be creative, enjoy the moment and make life easier for yourself. It’s really not that serious love.
Tip: Use all your senses to make ordinary things feel special.
4. Practice Gratitude in Tiny Ways
Focusing on three things I am grateful for daily helped me stay grounded. I started appreciating what I had and not complaining about what I didn’t have.
It’s easy to forget how abundant our world is when University life gets so busy. A small gratitude moment, like appreciating the sun’s warmth on your way to class, can change remarkably.
Gratitude does not have to be materialistic; it’s often the smallest moments that feel the most magical.
Tip: Keep a little notes app or journal list going. Gratitude doesn’t have to be deep—“grateful for warm socks” totally counts.
5. De-Stress Like It’s a Love Language
Everybody deserves some rest (and they should be guilt-free!) Your body simply cannot function properly without sufficient rest. You’re a human, not a robot. Even your phone gets a charger and a ‘low battery’ warning. What’s your excuse?
Here are some of my favourite self-care activities to unwind and relax:
- Gentle yoga / Stretches
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Making myself a cup of tea/matcha
- An Everything shower followed by a face mask and skincare
What is on your self-care menu? Let me know in the comments, and share your favourite ways to unwind!
Tip: Create a “comfort menu” of de-stressing ideas to pull from when life feels overwhelming.
6. Be Mindful of the Content You Consume
Social media is fun, but it can also be toxic and encourage hustle culture, fostering comparison and self-judgement.
Tuning your digital consumption can significantly change your life with fresh ideas and motivation. You can follow softer and uplifting influencers and mute or unfollow hustle influencers.
Social media—overflowing with unpredictable content, has the power to shape our thoughts and energy. That’s why I recite this grounding mantra after consuming it:
“I withdraw all consent to external control of my power.”
Tip: Curate your digital space the same way you do your physical space.
Bonus Magic for Your Everyday (Additional Tips)
- Create Rituals, Not Routines: Rituals are sacred, and routines are mundane. Make every action intentional and soothing. That’s how you add a little bit of whimsy into your daily life.
- Find Beauty in the Pause: It’s okay to slow down and appreciate the moment. Take a deep breath and sit in silence without rushing or doing anything.
- Celebrate Small Wins: As you race to achieve your ultimate goal, learn to acknowledge how far you’ve come, even if it’s just showing up to class or drinking enough water that day. A win is a win.
Romanticizing your university life isn’t about ignoring stress but finding peace within the chaos. You’re allowed to feel joy. You’re allowed to rest. And you’re allowed to live beautifully, even in the busiest seasons of your life.
