How to get through 12 hour days.

Where did our break go? I vaguely remember late mornings and homework-free evenings, but our time can't possibly be up. It's probably the New Year talking, but I've worked out a plan to be a little more organized with my time, sleeping, and eating habits to have maximum energy for Spring semester. We're night owls, Trent and I, and it's not unusual for us to go to bed at 3 or 4 AM on a weekend. That's probably been the most difficult vice to manage, and I'm really cracking down on myself so that I'm ready and in bed by 12:30. As far as eating, we did a major grocery run yesterday where I stocked up on a lot of meats, green veggies, and bread flour so that we're running at full speed. It's really difficult for me personally to eat well when there's so little time, so I've done a whole bunch of researching easy crock pot recipes and such that will take care of themselves and warmly greet us after work each night.

Rules to live by for staying healthy and well-rested:

Do it the night before: So much can be taken care of before bedtime that eliminates the whole morning rush. I like to bring snacks to school with me because I often don't have time to eat in the morning. Throw that banana and Clif bar in your bag the night before. Put your home-made lunch together, and make sure all assignments are printed out and tucked away in folders. It's so easy if you just take that extra 5 minutes at night.

Go to bed early: Practice some self-restraint and turn off the computer and t.v. at a designated time. Take a shower and wash your face early in the night if you're feeling tired so that you can fall asleep on the couch to a movie if you feel so inclined (this one is my favorite). Also, this one is personal, but remember that the extra 10 minutes that you sleep in rarely make you feel any less tired. Just get up. It'll get easier.

Eat right/ REMEMBER to eat: If you're not the super early breakfast type, do what I do and bring it with you. Bananas are portable and unfussy, and a protein or Clif bar is great for energy. I've resolved to start cooking more so that I'm eating less late night take-out burritos. Try to throw in fruit, veggies, and green leafs wherever you can. I literally spent days researching recipes that inspired me so that I have the will to cook for us more often.

We'll see how the semester goes, but I think being more aware and conscience of routines will really benefit me personally.