It took a while for me to adjust and learn how to do all of these things plus take care of my own health, spend time with my boyfriend and friends, and devote time to my spirituality. What I learned very quickly was that there is not enough time in the day to complete everything. I had to learn how to prioritize my daily tasks and choose where I invest my time and energy. I began to develop a routine that served all my needs. Monday through Friday, I work around 8-9 hours, depending on my patients and workload. On the way home, I run errands, such as grocery shopping, dog walking jobs, and appointments. I then come home to eat, shower, help my mom, take care of house duties, and begin my homework. I spend a few hours doing my schoolwork and then take an hour before bedtime to complete my self-care routine. My Saturdays and Sundays are saved for spending time with my boyfriend, family, friends, and going to church. This routine has been working well for me.
Despite the chaos that sometimes ensues, I am able to stay grounded and push through with a clear state of mind and a desire to move forward. Since life is constantly changing and throwing me curveballs, I have found my anchor in my faith and spirituality. When I feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or sadness, I look to God and spend some alone time meditating and praying, which helps me to gain clarity and perspective when I feel lost or like I am struggling. I also reach out to my friends and family for support. This is important because there are moments when I get stuck in my routine and forget to be social or make time for fun due to my work, studies, and responsibilities. I’ve learned balancing both fun and responsibilities brings rewards and success, as well as a sense of accomplishment.