Beat back to college woes

For many of us, college is just around the corner, or may have already started for you.  Here's some tips and suggestions for keeping your hair, and your sanity, in place.

1. Squeeze in exercise.  Those of us who have normal, busy lives know that exercise often takes the backseat when we have homework, our love lives, and our relaxation time to keep up with.  I know I'm doing everything I can to not only beat college pounds gained, but lose weight and get toned!
How? Schedule a dance or zumba class  in the middle of that lonely gap in between those two classes twice a week, or simply come to college in sweats and take a brisk walk with some class buddies.

2. Get some sleep. Sleep, what's that?  Me and many of my friends have a hard time getting adequate sleep, and we sure as heck know we're not getting any on the weekend (hello, apple pie vodka).
How? Fit showers or baths into your 'me' time in the evenings so you don't need to wake up early to take one.  Cut down your tv/internet time to a 1/3 of your down time, and focus on getting everything else (homework, laundry, snuggle time with the hubby/bf, school supplies) done/planned to save time in the morning.  Skimp on super detailed eye/lip makeup and use more bronzer/highlighter and liquid concealer (I looove Loreal liquid concealer) for a natural glow. Also consider getting earplugs if noise keeps you from sleeping.

3. Eat Right. When we have so little time to spare, it's hard to prepare ahead, and vending machines lure you in with their promise of instant gratification.
How? Buy apples, carrots, radishes, and grapes and pack one or two a day in a carproof lunch bag. Take your daily vitamins (b12, omega3's, D, C, potassium, etc) before you leave or bring them along in a ziplock bag.  Limit your vending machine food - chips, candy, and soda, even diet soda, should be limited to about twice a week, if that.  Eat often in small quantities, which controls appetite and keeps your metabolism revved and burning more calories.

4. Balance studying. Studying is tiresome, stressful, and confusing, and seems to suck up every drop of your spare time in between your job, family, and sleeping.
How? It seems like most of your college profs coordinate their homework so you have everything due at once. This can cause a lot of stress if it doesn't get done, so it's important that you plan out a schedule for when you will study for what, so that you aren't left buried in unfinished work around the due date.  Using a bulletin board or planner helps immensely, even if you aren't a 'planning type'.

5. Go out.  Even though it's important you finish your work, sleep, exercise, and eat right, it's also important that you are motivated and happy.  This means finding the right balance for the times you get out and have fun.
How? Go out on a limb and invite your new classmate to a movie (you can even study together after to ease guilt!), go to your favorite stores and hangout places either AFTER you've accomplished your agenda for the day, or limit the alcohol and comfort food so you will have the motivation and energy to finish your schoolwork and other duties before them end of the day.  Go to a nice restaurant during your lunch break occasionally, or leave 10 minutes early to stop at a Starbucks on the way to school for a pick-me-up.  Buy a car to iPod hookup so you can have some fun listening to your favorite mood lifting songs.

Most of all... Don't spend time focusing on dreading going to class at 7 am or the mile-long list of things you need to do.  Instead, make a genuine effort to enjoy life, and even mundane things like college can be enjoyable if you acknowledge the humor in life.  A large amount of your life is going to be spent doing things you don't want to do, and having inconvenient things happen to you, so if you don't learn how to see the brighter side of things, you are going to look back later in life and regret all of the worry and discontent.  Don't ever forget to step back and smile. (link goes to Lily Allen's wonderful music video, Smile.)