Between school, working, teaching, and studying for the MCAT, my schedule is nothing short of overwhelming. With so many responsibilities, I have learned to prioritize self-care and wellness, even when it feels like there are not enough hours in the day. Over the last year, I have developed a wellness routine that helps me stay active, de-stress, and feel more zen. For me, wellness does not necessarily mean doing everything perfectly; wellness is all about creating small habits that make me feel more relaxed and healthy, mentally and physically.
My Morning Coffee
One of the best and most essential parts of my morning routine is making my coffee. Whether I have a nice, slow morning to myself or I am rushing to get to work, having my morning coffee is what sets my day off on the right note. It’s a small part of my day that helps me feel ready for the day before everything gets too busy. The smallest things can make a difference in how the rest of your day goes!
Staying Active
Movement is one of the most important aspects of my wellness routine. I love doing barre-style workouts and pilates classes because they allow me to focus on being healthy and strong while also feeling good in my body. Aside from staying fit, working out is one of my favorite ways to release stress and take a break from other responsibilities.
I also try to walk 2 miles five times a week. Since I am constantly battling for time with schoolwork and studying for the MCAT, I like to use this walking time to review flashcards. It is one of my favorite ways to combine studying with movement, especially on days when I do not have enough hours to get everything done. I definitely prioritize being productive, but I remind myself that not every workout needs to be productive. Sometimes just moving my body is a mental break that is more than needed.
Nighttime Wind-Down Routine
After a long day, my nighttime routine is the most important. Since so much of my day is on the go, I try to make my nights a time when I can slow down and disconnect.
I like to start with a warm cup of tea to relax my mind and body. I then move into my skincare routine. I love taking care of my skin, and doing the routine gives me time to focus on myself and not everything else I have to do.
Once I finish my skincare, I like to do some low-impact yoga to help my body loosen up and release some of the tension from the day. It helps me turn my mind off before bed. I then like to read a few pages of a book before bed to help me focus on something purely unrelated to school and get a much-needed break from all the screen time.
Together, all these habits have made my nighttime routine something I look forward to every
day. Rather than ending my day with never-ending thoughts swirling through my head, I get to spend time doing things that help me feel relaxed and reset.
I have learned that wellness is about finding balance rather than having the perfect aesthetic routine. Some days are too busy, and I do not have time for my normal routine, but I have realized that even the smallest daily habits can make a big difference. Whether it’s a workout class, walking, coffee, or skin care, making time for myself helps me feel more balanced and ready to deal with my responsibilities head-on. To me, wellness is about taking care of myself and enjoying the little things in life.