In university, managing your time and energy is crucial for success. This isn't just about studying; it's about creating a sustainable lifestyle. The concept of "wellness" refers to the active pursuit of health and balance in all aspects of life. A consistent daily routine can significantly impact your well-being, influencing everything from academic performance to mental clarity. In this lesson, we will focus on how to describe your health routines and habits, paying close attention to your daily nutrition, exercise, and even your screen time. Our goal is to use the present simple tense and adverbs of frequency to clearly communicate these personal practices.
The Wellness Equation
Achieving balance in daily life is key to well-being.
Vocabulary: The Elements of Wellness
Understanding the language of wellness is the first step. Let's look at some key terms you will use to describe your health habits.
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| routine (n.) | A sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program. | My morning routine always includes 15 minutes of stretching. |
| balance (n.) | A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions. | Finding a balance between socializing and studying is often a challenge for new students. |
| nutrition (n.) | The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth. | Good nutrition is essential for maintaining high energy levels throughout the day. |
| sleep (n.) | A condition of body and mind that typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is inactive, the eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended. | I try to get eight hours of sleep every night because it helps me concentrate in class. |
| exercise (n.) | Activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness. | Regular exercise, such as jogging or swimming, can reduce feelings of stress. |
| hydration (n.) | The process of causing something to absorb water. | Proper hydration is key; I always carry a water bottle with me. |
| screen time (n.) | The amount of time someone spends looking at a screen on a device such as a smartphone, computer, or television. | I limit my screen time before bed to improve the quality of my sleep. |
Grammar Focus: Present Simple and Adverbs of Frequency
To describe habits and routines, we use the present simple tense. To specify how often we do these activities, we add adverbs of frequency.
The Present Simple Tense
We use the present simple tense to talk about:
- Things that are always or generally true.
- Habits and routines (actions that happen regularly).
The structure is: Subject + base form of the verb. For the third-person singular (he, she, it), we add -s or -es to the verb.
I drink at least two litres of water daily.
She studies for three hours every evening.
They do not watch TV in the morning.
Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often an action takes place. They can be definite (specific) or indefinite (general).
Indefinite Adverbs of Frequency
These adverbs give a general idea of frequency. They usually go before the main verb, but after the verb 'to be'.
| Adverb | Frequency | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| always | 100% | I always brush my teeth before bed. |
| usually | ~90% | She usually walks to the campus. |
| often | ~70% | He is often tired after his workout. |
| sometimes | ~50% | I sometimes skip breakfast if I'm late. |
| rarely / seldom | ~10% | They rarely eat junk food. |
| never | 0% | He never forgets to pack a healthy lunch. |
Definite Adverbs of Frequency
These phrases specify exactly how often something happens. They are most often placed at the end of a sentence.
I go to the gym three times a week.
She meditates every morning.
We visit our grandparents once a month.
The Science of a Healthy Routine
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