Not enough time in the day, help!

Most people in the world have the same problem: making time. Everyone on MFP has coursework, jobs, a lot of members have children, and tons of other obligations. But working out is just something you have to fit in! I too just started a new job and I've been having a hard time creating a new workout schedule for myself, but it's still happening since it's a priority of mine, I won't make excuses to not eat healthy, exercise most days, and sleep 7+ hours a night.

When I was at university and was slammed during the end of the semester, I would bring any books/notebooks to the gym with me and read for an hour on the elliptical. It's quite easy to do, once you get your balance figured out. If you watch a lot of television, you could always do a workout during your TV time (like pop an exercise DVD into your laptop on low volume and set it up next to the television so that you can follow along). You could also use your weekends as days to do a super-intense or long workout, like a few hour hike, long ice skate session, indoor rock climb, or ashtanga yoga (just examples of what I often did). There's also the option of partying less, if that's something you spend a lot of time doing; Friday nights are GREAT at the gym because you'll be the only one there.

I know it seems hard! I'm finding it difficult to adjust, too, with my new job. But exercise is important, and the more you make it part of your routine, the easier it becomes to find time for it-- because you'll learn to love it! I promise! Good luck.

Have you tried "time-blocking"???? It's so incredibly effective if you plan your day out every night and set aside time in CHUNKS to do everything you need. I can't write properly enough so I'm giving you the link to Cal Newport's awesome time-management blogpost:

http://calnewport.com/blog/2007/12/03/monday-master-class-dont-plan-your-day-with-a-to-do-list/

There's really a lot to learn from this guy and I recommend everyone read his other blogposts too.

Hope it helps!

I think the most time consuming part of exercise is the meal planning. The only idea I have to save time with that is to cook all the food at once and pack it up into tupperware to eat later. Of course, if you're in college and live on campus, you probably don't cook.

Exercise isn't too hard to fit in. You can burn a lot of calories very fast by jumping rope. You just need a good space to do it in. I like to go outside and do it on the pavement, but when it gets cold out, I do it in my garage.

I agree that you do need your 8 hours of sleep. I learned that the hard way.

Try to bring a bottle of water with you and sip on it between classes. Try to have only healthy snacks, like fruit, in your backpack, and avoid convenience stores at all costs. I remember when I was in college, I frequently got a snickers bar at the book store when I was hungry. At the time, it wasn't big deal, but now that I know more about nutrition, that was an awful habit to start.

By the way, in college I used to use a planner. Sometimes it helps to write out your to do list out into a schedule so you won't stress about when you will have time to do what. Of course, now a days, all the kids have fancy smartphones, so feel free to schedule it in your phone if that's easier.

Make the most of your weekends too. Surely you can cram in 10-20 minutes here or there on Saturday or Sunday for working out. You don't have to get dressed and go to the gym if you're pressed for time. You can just do some exercises right in your living space.

I am a full time nursing student coming close to the end of my program (like 5mos left!!!) and I have had the same problem too-and I finally decided enough with the excuses. You have to make being healthy a priority if it's going to work. Bike or walk to class. Do something between classes. Get up 30 minutes earlier and work out. You will may find that as you eat better and exercise, you'll have more energy even if you sleep a tiny bit less.

I sometimes have to work 12hr shifts but I still make sure I do something. It can be hard! But then I think about the people who are parents and I stop complaining. Because they have similar commitments as everyone else PLUS kids to look after yet they still manage, so I use it for inspiration. (Don't have kids, don't want them. Love my nieces and nephew and that is enough for me!)

Do you live in residence? If in residence you probably at least have a bar fridge. You could buy a rice cooker (the small ones are super cheap) and in a little rice cooker you can cook rice (obviously), quinoa, and steam veggies. If you have a meal card there are hopefully salad and veggie options. Keep apples or other fruits around. Celery sticks, carrots, beans in your bar fridge. Wraps and nut butter.