College, job, stress easy...

EmilyHughes801

I just graduated high school. What my next move? A community college for two years and hopefully by then I'll have things figured out. I'm thinking about doing something involving, animals, nutrition, writing, business, yeah I know a wide variety but all sound amazing to me. Anyways I also have to get a job to help pay for college. And another things I have horses. Two of them that I've had since the beginning of middle school. I can't part with them now unless I absolutely positively have to. If I end up not being able to have enough time or money for them I can always get someone to lease them out until I get things settled. Anyways I also want to still be able to focus on my health and exercise in college. Any tips? Time management strategies? Any college students out there in the same situation with or without horses, any advice?

AlyssaPetsDogs

I am in grad school now, but I also work and have been living a healthier lifestyle and losing weight.
Preparation is key. I try to plan out my meals in advance and meal prep. I'll make a big batch of food and portion it out into containers so I can just take and microwave for lunch or dinner. Fast and easy!
As for working out, I try to put it on my calendar so I do it. I'll try to go to the gym and then go to the library to do homework and eat dinner. Find something you enjoy (for me, it's spinning classes) or just watch Netflix while you're on the treadmill. I make it a point to go a few times a week. I feel better and it is a break from studying!

I can't speak to owning a horse (I've always wanted one and I pet sit for several families with horses). You shouldn't part with them if you love them - I couldn't imagine parting with my dogs. I bet there is serious calorie burn in mucking out stalls and walking with the horse.

Good luck in college! And it's totally normal to not know what you want to do. I went in dead set on being a veterinarian. Then I decided I wanted to be a dentist. Now I'm in law school you'll figure it out! Have fun!

Orphia

I'm nearly 50 and I've never had a plan for "what to do with my life".

I'm the happiest I've ever been, and I've always been happy.

After studying Arts I worked in bookshops, then worked with maps, then in a court, now in finance. I've loved all these jobs.

I do what I can to be useful to others, and give them the care and respect I would like for myself.

My ultimate goals are to get older and wiser. That means being kind to myself and always trying to learn.

You sound like a lovely person. I'm sure you'll do well.

scoii

Maybe you could try combining things to save time. If your horses are in a shared stables could you get some work down their? Even if it's not currently offered maybe some other owners would like some help during holidays or weekends.

daniip_la

I'm in grad school now, and I spent my time as an undergrad losing and regaining weight due to stress eating. My advice is to plan ahead and set your mind on what you want to accomplish. You can usually make time for meal planning and exercise if you really want to (at least, I could when I had the motivation).

But honestly, you're going to college. It's going to be difficult most likely, especially when you get to a university. If you have to maintain your weight in order to focus on studying, then do it.

I would advise you to pick out your future career or education path before getting too deep into your degree however. I started undergrad knowing the career I wanted required a PhD in chemistry. Now I'm about to start my second year of working on my PhD. It helps to have a goal, whatever you're doing. It gives you something to work towards.