Ways to stay healthy while juggling work and school
Going to school and holding down a job at the same time can be challenging. It also takes lots of dedication to commit to self-care while staying on top of your studies and work. Often the first thing to fall by the wayside is one’s health due to a lack of sleep, stress and poor eating habits. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. For ideas on how to manage school and work in harmony, take a look at these helpful tips and tricks below.
Keep a schedule. Many people say that going to school alone is much like having a full-time job. When you put an actual job on top of that, time is at a premium. That’s why it’s even more important that you plan your week out in a visible way. Having your schedule recorded in a daily planner notebook or smartphone app can be a lifesaver when you have a lot going on. Plus, having a set period of time dedicated to focusing on work and school helps you transition from one mindset to another, helping you to prioritize tasks at any point during your day.
Pack lunch instead of buying it. More than just a money saver, packing your own healthy lunch and snacks helps you avoid the temptation of an easy fast-food meal or an unhealthy bite from the vending machine. When you fuel your mind and body with vitamins and nutrients in the form of food that’s good for you, you help to preserve your own health and maximize your abilities.
Make time to exercise. Staying healthy during a hectic schedule takes more than just eating right and planning your time appropriately. Physical activity is essential as well. Make sure you set aside at least 30 minutes per day to run, lift, play sports, or get some other sort of exercise in. Not only will it help you feel better physically, it can aid you in your studies by improving brain functions like concentration and memory.
Don’t isolate yourself. While there will be times when you need to head to the library or another quiet place to study in solitude, you also need to set aside time in your schedule to be with friends and family. Without a good balance, school and work can feel even more taxing and stressful. Therefore, schedule social activities every week, and try to do something social involving friends and family every day. It doesn’t have to take up hours; it could be as simple as spending your lunch break with a friend or calling up a loved one at the end of the day.
Sleep. Getting the proper amount of sleep every night is crucial to your health. While you may need to pull some late nights or even an occasional all-nighter for school, try to keep these to a minimum. Scheduling yourself properly and maintaining your focus throughout the day can help you get a good night’s rest.
5 Ways to Balance School and Work as an Adult [WikiHow]
How to Stay Healthy Juggling School and a Full-Time Job [Lifehack]
5 Time Management Tips When Juggling Work and School [Careerealism]