How to Stay Healthy when Studying and Working Full-Time

Juggling a full-time job and a college course is not easy. You may well end up burning the candle at both ends, which over time will suppress your immune system and lead to illness. Younger people tend to find this level of stress easier to cope with, as they have greater amounts of energy to fall back on. For older people, who are typically in a more demanding job, it is even harder to stay healthy when studying alongside a full-time job. The good news is that it can be done – and here’s how.

Juggling Education and Employment

Working full-time and studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree is possible thanks to the proliferation of online further education courses. State registered nurses can study for their MSN in nursing administration if they sign up for an online RN to MSN course and busy executives have the option of pursing an online MBA via several prestigious colleges. But, whilst it is possible, it isn’t necessarily easy.

Maintaining Health and Wellness

High-level courses exact a huge toll. You will be expected to study for a minimum of ten hours a week, which on top of a stressful full-time job is a big ask. The only way to maintain your health and wellness is to pay close attention to your lifestyle choices and eat a healthy diet.

To remain healthy, you are going to have to give your lifestyle a major overhaul. Firstly, you need to make sure you get enough sleep. This won’t be easy if you have a significant workload to complete, but if you don’t get enough sleep, your productivity levels will fall and your immune system will suffer. Try to prioritize sleep over socializing, at least for now. So, rather than accepting that party invitation, catch an early night instead.

Give Your Diet an Overhaul

Eating junk food might seem like an attractive option if you don’t have time to cook, but it won’t help your health. Grabbing a pizza occasionally is not going to do you any harm, but if all you eat is pizza, you will pile on the pounds and clog up your arteries with cholesterol.

Instead, try to eat at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Frozen veggies are just as healthy – if not healthier – than fresh vegetables, and very simple to prepare if you have a microwave. Try to avoid eating too many unhealthy carbs. If you are hungry, grab an apple or eat yoghurt. Snack on trail mix at work and avoid drinking too much caffeine.

Make Time for Exercise

Your body needs regular exercise, especially if you are sitting at a desk all day and night. You probably won’t have time to go to the gym, so go out for a lunchtime walk instead, or jump off the bus a stop earlier than normal and walk the final stretch to the office. Every little helps.

Finally, if you are feeling super stressed, don’t ignore it. Instead, talk to a college counsellor or ask your boss for some extra time at home so you can catch up on your studies.