The eating and exercise pieces are so hard… I used to be a competitive long distance runner, and so I find activities like yoga, walking, etc. incredibly boring… But getting started running again 15 pounds heavier and with all my old muscle gone is really difficult. I used to be able to run 2 hours at a good pace and feel fine at the end. Now, after 15 minutes of being passed by old ladies, I’m huffing and puffing… (Afterwards, I feel really good, though- like all my problems have been left behind on the trail, tired but in a good way, proud of myself) I keep trying to set baby goals for myself- just run 10 minutes a few times a week, etc. But it seems so pointless to go through all the changing, stretching and then showering to run for 10 minutes that I keep putting it off till the magical “tomorrow” that never comes. It would be easier to run if I dropped the excess weight that I’ve put on, but as long as I reward myself for each day with cheese puffs and a candy bar, that’s not going to be happening any time soon.

I never used to understand how doctors could know all the health risks and still smoke, but I’m getting a better grasp on it now…

Been there, done that I totally understand the plight of the graduate student. Without knowing you or anything about your life, though, I am quite certain that there are ways to lead a healthier lifestyle and improve your mood. It is difficult and it takes some creativity and prioritization, but it is possible. Regular exercise and good nutrition are well within your control. Get more exposure to sunlight by exercising outside, walking to and from school or work (or public transportation stops), eating lunch outside, and scheduling outdoor activities with friends in your (limited) leisure time. Practice good sleep hygiene and consider sleep a priority, not a luxury. Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time that allows for 8-9 hours of sleep per night, and stick to it no matter what. When you’re well-rested you will be more energetic and more productive during the day, so you won’t need to stay up late to get things done. Develop a meditation practice, get a massage, engage in deep breathing exercises…whatever helps you relax. In terms of stress, examine your schedule and think about your priorities. What do you really want to do? What do you have to do? And what are you doing just because someone asked you to or because you think you should? I’ll bet if you really think about it, you could trim down your schedule to make it a bit more manageable. This is all easier said than done, of course, but it can be done. We really do have a lot more control over our lives than we think, even when we’re traipsing through the dark cave of graduate school.