Staying Healthy as a Grad Student, It's a Challenge

As the title reads: staying healthy and fit as a grad student isn’t easy. We both try to stay active and incorporate some workout times. Besides working out and staying physically active there’s other ways to maintain health during busy periods.

Personally I, Marit, try to incorporate different things in my day-to-day routine to feel good, healthy, and take care of myself. What I try to do every night before bed is read for a bit. I don’t like looking at my phone right before I go to sleep because it’ll just keep my brain more active than I want it to be.

On days that I can’t make it to the gym I still try to do some type of moving around, whether it’s walking, biking, or just some stretching, I like to keep my body moving in some sort of way.

I’ve not only trying to keep my body active but I notice that fueling my body in the right ways will keep me more energized and healthy in general. Overall I kind of eat the same breakfast and lunch daily containing lots of protein and nutrients to get me through the day. I also added water with slices of lemon to my diet to have that extra little boost.

Knowing when to take breaks is important when trying to learn new stuff and trying to take it all in. So I take plenty of short breaks to grab a snack or just take my eyes off the screen.

Honestly having Leah there to just vent to whenever I need is so healing. Just texting each other back and forth about what’s going on as well as sending minutes long voice notes to talk about our frustrations is keeping me sane :)

Obviously there’s many ways to stay healthy and fit and for everyone there’s something different they enjoy or that works for them. Let us know about some of your ways to stay healthy!

For me, Leah, staying healthy looks like trying to find balance within a super hectic life. This all starts with a solid morning routine. Every weekday morning I get up around the same time and proceed with the same activities. First personal care then onto breakfast. I generally have the same breakfast - avocado bacon toast with a side of applesauce. For me, it is a well rounded, quick and easy breakfast that helps me start my day off well. Breakfast is followed by getting dressed, finishing packing lunches, and making a coffee to go. This routine helps me start my day off right.

Additionally, I try to get in about 5 to 6 short workouts out per week to stay physically active and strong. Normally, these workouts range 30 to 45ish minutes. Recently, these workouts have helped me cope with the cascading stress that has entered my life. Nutrition is important to me; however, stress make me not eat. I have zero appetite, which I know is not healthy. This links back to my morning routine because through those morning habits I know I have at least one good meal a day.

Lastly, journaling either through written words or verbal words are key. I have a guided end of day journal that I sit down and complete every night to help me process the day. However, often times, when it is something that is really bothering me I'll send a text message or voice message to Marit. As much as I wish she was here in person so that we can take on the world together, I know I can count on her whenever her time zone allows.

There are many ways to incorporate a healthy lifestyle. What is important is understanding what you personally need and finding ways to meet those needs.