I have officially been in school for almost 2 months and school recently started back for my son as well. Is it just me or does like feel like once school started that some time goblin stole several hours out of my day. Not only does it feel like the standard 24 hour days no longer applies for me but I am in a time warp and everyone and everything around me is going in overdrive.
Where is there time to eat, sleep, go to class, take notes, read notes, re-read notes, sleep, eat healthy, help with homework, cook, sleep, attend study group, sleep, exercise and did I say breathe lol
Ideally, when school began I wanted to incorporate healthier habits into my life such as exercise a few times a week, meal prep, healthier foods, sleep 8+ hours, in addition to my normal parenting duties and attending class and studying. However, during the first two weeks of schools I found it very hard to do much of anything that wasn't considered absolutely necessary (Eat whatever was available, sleep, go to class study and normal family obligations) and doing those things felt like a stretch.
Now that a few weeks have gone by and I feel more comfortable with balancing everything. Of course some days a way better than other days but over the last 2 months I have discovered that I will have to sacrifice somethings in order to find this balance. One thing I am working on is scheduling majority of my daily activities in order to feel like I am actively accomplishing my weekly goals. I am doing this for both school and home (you can image some of the items on the daily checklist for a little boy smh LOL). However, I have yet to find time for exercise :-( so in lieu of not being able to rigorously exercise, I skip the elevator and take the steps everywhere I go, take walks during extended breaks and "try" to do small workouts at home and I have incorporated several healthy food items into my weekly meals.
I am glad that it is still early in the school year for both my son and myself because it gives us time to tweak an ideal routine. I am always looking for suggestions on how other students balance school and personal life , so please share!!! Stay posted for new updates on our school/home routine.
Mini Update
2 Exams down
1 exam next week
Organ systems and Gross Lab starts in 2 weeks!
White Coat Ceremony in 3 weeks!!!!!!
White Coat Ceremony in 3 weeks!!!!!!
I think for me the key was realizing I couldn't do everything. I was one who always sacrificed my workouts for something else. But after a bit of wieght gain and feeling unhealthy I made a change. I love to cook so I actually find time to do it everyday. It takes me 2 seconds to whip up an omlette for breakfast, throw some veggies and seasonings in a crock pot with chicken so when i get home i just make the sides and brown the chicken for 5 min in the broiler (I don't like the pale skin from cooking in the crockpot). For the meal prep I actually have wasted more food planning meals in advance because I hate eating the same thing so I tend to freeze half of whatever I cook for the following week.
ReplyDeleteFor working out, I've started doing BBG which are 28 minute workouts that make me sweat so much and are positively reviewed. You can use a gym but you can get dumbells and improvise at home as well.
I realized the key to getting everything done is making realistic to do lists. I'm a slower learner so my lists are shorter because I spend more time on each thing but I plan ahead to make sure I get through the material with enough time before my exam so i can do a conclusive review.
There was even a time in medical school where I took a cake decorating course (because I love to bake) and that was my best performing block of 1st year.
I realized half way through med school that lab and required class activities were always non-negotiables in my schedule. No matter what everything else took 2nd place to required class sessions (I skip lecture and the optional stuff lol). I made church a non-ngeotiable last year and it improved my life so much. This year I added working out as a non-negotiable and I find that it works as long as I don't take over 1hr in the gym.
I think some planning and a bit of trial and error, you'll find what works best for your you & your little one! Sorry this was such a long comment!
Hi Trisha,
DeleteThat is exactly why I had to toss the meal prep ideal... after day 2 I have leftovers anxiety lol. But you have some really good points!!!! I especially like that you have a list of non-negotiable aspects of your routine, Im borrowing that idea like right now. Your post is very insightful thanks for all the awesome tips. I definitely plan to incorporate some into my routine. I'll keep you posted on how they work out :-)