How to Stay Healthy & Happy in HighSchool!

It can be so hard to stay healthy during the school year! With homework, extracurriculars, & sports, managing time is tough. Here are some of my favorite tips for staying healthy- both physically and mentally!

• Get organized & plan for the week

  • Being organized is one of the best ways to combat stress and anxiety. In the beginning of the week, I like to write down academic due dates & reminders in a planner. I also like to write a to-do list every night on a separate sheet of paper before I got to bed so I can sleep worry free!

  • Every weekend I also like to make some staples to keep in the fridge. Things like salad dressings, energy balls, veggie burgers & pre cooked grains are great timesavers for meals during the week.

• Designate a time everyday to exercise if sports aren't your thing

  • Daily exercise is extremely important for mental clarity, sleep, and stress management. I like exercising right after school for an energy boost and a break before homework. Even a walk outside or some relaxing yoga will do the trick. Think of this as an hour of time to yourself to listen to music, a podcast, or even Netflix at the gym!

• Get to bed before midnight

  • Sleep is so important for health. It helps reduce cortisol, curb sugary caffeine cravings, & keeps skin clear. Its so hard to get to bed at a good time while managing good grades, but even an extra 20 minutes will make a difference.

• Pick one day of the week to fully relax & rejuvenate

  • You cannot expect to be a productive machine all day everyday! I am always exhausted on Fridays, so I like to watch TV, eat dinner in bed, and take a long relaxing shower. I find that if I do schoolwork on Fridays, it is counterproductive and that getting a good nights sleep will quickstart a productive Saturday!

• Be kind to your mind

  • I am guilty of overworking myself- in academics, the gym etc. However, its so important to take a step back and remind yourself that everything will work out. Its ok to not get an A on every assignment, be in every club, excel as a varsity athlete and to skip a day at the gym. Eventually, you will get burnt out and lose every sense of motivation, which would probably be worse in the long run!You are doing your best and thats all you can do!