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Attending classes and working long hours can really take a toll on your mental and physical health. Overworking yourself can result in exhaustion, stress, poor work-life balance, and health risks. Consider these tips to cultivate a healthy lifestyle amidst your turbulent itinerary!

 
1. Maintain your sleep schedule

Sleep is essential. In order to function at your best, you need at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Make sleep a priority by establishing evening rituals for yourself that help you to unwind. Reading or journaling are ideal options for unraveling after a busy day. Avoid looking at screens with a blue light an hour before your nightly practices. (You can download apps that will automatically dim and redden in the evenings). For all iPhone users, the new iOs update even allows you to set limits for your daily screen time, so you will get reminders when you are close to the limit. NIFTY, right? For more information, check out these tips to creating an impactful sleep routine.

 
2. Focus on self-care

Self-care is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally. When you’re swamped with both work and school, it may feel like you don’t have any free time to spare. Don’t fret! Try to brainstorm timesaving ways to incorporate activities that you love into your bustling life. If you enjoy creating art, set aside 5 minutes in the morning to draw a doodle of the day. If yoga is your gig, learn some poses that you can do in the evening when you get home. Socializing also works as a form of self-care for many people; plan a weekly date with a few of your favorite friends to give you something to look forward to! For more ideas, here’s an article all about self-care!

 
3. Prep yourself

Develop routines that reduce the stress of everyday functioning. Think about the moments when your schedule feels hectic: is it in the morning when you’re rushing to get out the door? Consider using a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything. Combat decision fatigue by picking out your outfit the night before, packing your bag, or charging your devices. Having the simple things ready and waiting for you will keep the stress at bay. Consider choosing a day to meal prep, cook your food, and freeze the extra batches for the rest of the week. This is an especially great option for people who hope to reduce spending on eating out or wish to maintain specific health goals.

 
4. Choose healthy snacks

Make sure you are taking care of yourself by making wholesome decisions with your daily snacks. Though it’s tempting and convenient to settle for sugary processed foods when you’re on the move, try to choose foods that will keep you sustained throughout your hectic day. Avoid energy drinks, and instead reach for a (reusable) water bottle to keep you hydrated. For more ideas, look into these healthy snacks that will keep you going.

 
5. Opt for shorter workouts

As soon as life kicks into high gear, it seems that physical exercise is the first thing to drop from our routines. Rather than cutting exercise entirely out of your schedule, choose an intense workout that can be done in a short amount of time. (Even if it’s only for 20 or 30 minutes!) If you really can’t fit physical activity into your agenda, remain active by taking the stairs anytime you have the opportunity to do so or by making the effort to stand on your feet more often throughout the day. (Standing desks are a great way to ensure you stay on your feet!) This will not only keep you moving, but it will also make it easier for you to fall asleep later at night!

 

Life happens, things get busy, and that’s okay! Hopefully, with these tips, you will be better equipped to keeping the stress to a minimum. By taking a rest every now and then and putting your mental health at the forefront of your efforts, you are bound to create a healthy lifestyle that works for you!