Editors note: Even though Emma Ledbetter has graduated, the Daily Evergreen has decided to continue the Ask Emma segment with a new author in honor of our friend Emma and all the people she has helped.

Dear Emma, 

I am feeling overwhelmed with keeping both my physical and mental health on track because of social pressures to go out, and internal pressure to overwork myself. What things can I do to work on staying balanced and healthy? 

Sincerely,

Seeking Balance

Seeking Balance, 

College can be a really tough place to find balance within school, social life, exercising and eating healthy. I am here to give you some tips on what works for me! 

In terms of being stressed about school, I think it’s really important to write out a to-do list every day on what tasks you want to get done and prioritize first. Even if you can’t get everything done, start small. 

Choose four to five things that need to get done, and give yourself compassion if you aren’t able to complete everything all at once. Go to the library or a coffee shop, put your headphones in and grind out each assignment that needs to be completed.

Second, social life. This can be hard because there is a lot of pressure as a college student to go out, socialize with people and show up to events. I am here to tell you it is okay if you don’t want to, or need a weekend to yourself. Take a self care weekend! You aren’t missing out on anything. Putting yourself and your needs first is the most important thing and will set you up for success in the long run. 

If going out to dinner with your friends on a Saturday night sounds fun, then do it. If taking your dog to Pups and Cups for trivia sounds good, go for it! If watching a movie with a face mask on sounds relaxing, take that on. Listen to your intuition and do what feels right and fun for you. 

Next, I know working out can be intimidating and sometimes hard to squeeze into such busy days. But working out does not have to be going to the gym constantly. It can be whatever you want it to be. Some other ideas are going on walks, playing tennis at the UREC Center, going golfing at the Palouse Golf Course, signing up for a fitness class or going to the gym. 

Set small daily goals for yourself. There’s no need to say you are going to go to the gym everyday, because is that realistic for you? Maybe you will just get 30 minutes to an hour of movement per day. That’s enough! Get your body moving in ways that feel good for you. 

Lastly, a huge part of being healthy is fueling your body. Going to class, hanging out with friends, working and exercising all require a great amount of food to keep your brain functioning. I know college can be hard to cook healthy meals all the time, but there are ways that can make it easier for you. 

Maybe that means planning out your meals when you grocery shop and meal prep. I like to make a big thing full of protein, carbs and veggies each week so that I have dinner ready for me in different variations. 

For example, I’ll make my choice of taco meat, rice and have various different veggies available to make a quick taco bowl. From these ingredients, you can make a taco salad, quesadilla, street tacos or enchiladas which will all be great delicious options to get you through the week. 

I hope this helps seek balance in your life. You got this and just be sure to tune into your intuition and listen to what feels right for you. Remember, if you don’t feel like you’re living up to your expectations, don’t be too hard on yourself. You are doing the best you can at this time.

Sincerely, 

Emma