Advice needed on balancing school, life, and work

I'm 32 and recently went back to school for a medical graduate degree. I am also working part-time. Needless to say, I'm really stretched for time. I am still trying ot make diet/exercise a priority. It's been tough.

Then the wrench got thrown in. I met this amazing guy who could possibly be a very long-term relationship.He's close to everything I've ever wanted..

Everything is great only I don't know how to balance everything -- family, friends, school, work, and now a love interest. He's supportive of my goals but still wants to see me every waking minute.

What I'm wondering is if anyone has experienced this before or has any advice on how to balance it all? How is it done without your grades dropping? Is it possible? Where did you find the energy?

Wed. Jun 27, 9:02pm

For a while you will probably just be really burned out. Here's some suggestions:

1. Make workouts part of your day - walk or bike to school and/or work, take the stairs more often, do sit-ups during commercials (if you ever get a TV break!), stretch while you are in front of the computer

2. Make time with your friends/new man about quality, not quantity. Have a nice 30 minute dinner together rather than watching a 2-hour movie where you just pass out from exhaustion.

3. Fit your friends into your day-to-day activities, too. Maybe you can get groceries with a friend or maybe your new BF or a friend would be a good workout buddy.

4. Don't forget to relax sometimes, and get at least 6 hours of sleep every night. You sacrifice the quality EVERYTHING if you are too tired.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007, 10:05 PM

Never put a guy over your personal goals. Never let your grades slip because of one, either. If he's making you feel guilty for not spending enough time with him, he's not being too understanding.

Exercise can be hard to fit in... diet is much easier to control. Make it apoint to ALWAYS make healthy choices. As for exercise, can you workout first thing in the morning? Maybe get up an hour earlier and put a video in the DVD player if you can't get to the gym? Even jumping rope for 20 minutes is a small workout that can be done anywhere.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007, 11:12 PM

Wow! You've got a lot of great stuff going on! Finding balance is the million dollar question these days. I think it's something you have to actively pursue - you have to make decisions about how you want to spend your time and stick to it.

I love the idea of 10:05 - combining friends/new guy and exercise. What a great way to spend time together. It not only supports two goals (spending time with those important to you AND getting exercise) but it also helps avoid common pitfalls to getting in shape - social drinking and eating!

As far as energy - you do have a lot going on, but eating well, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated will all help you with your energy level.

Thursday, June 28, 2007, 6:59 AM

Yeah...10:05 really knows how to put it together. I'll add another suggestion to that wonderful list. Make study dates with friends or your new guy. Issue the invite to sit at the dining room table and do paperwork or read while you study. Agree to talking intervals (so it doesn't turn into a gab fest). I did this while I was working on my doctorate and it was a great way to spend time with loved ones.

One thing I didn't do however...and I truly regret this ...was to make active dates. Get together with friends or your guy and walk, run, skate, bike, swim, or go to the gym. I packed on tons of weight during that period of my life and 20 years later I am STILL working to lose it! Live and learn!

Good luck with everything....sounds like a really exciting time in your life.

Thursday, June 28, 2007, 9:19 AM

OP Here -- thanks sooo much for the great suggestions. Next quarter starts next week, so I'll be incorporating the ideas. Thanks again :) I'll let you know how things go with everything!

Thursday, June 28, 2007, 11:49 PM

Good luck! I hope you are enjoying the new relationships - with school, a new guy and with healthy living. They all take work, but it's worth it!

Friday, June 29, 2007, 12:59 PM

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