GP|Solo Law Student

Ten Steps to a Healthier You

By Artika Renee Tyner

Need an energy boost to write your appellate brief or complete your Con Law exam? Feeling overwhelmed? Exhausted? Fatigued? Begin these ten simple steps and you will feel healthier and rejuvenated.

Step One: Embrace peace and harmony daily. Begin your day with time for reflection and silence to create a sense of harmony. Also, take “peace breaks” throughout the day by doing deep breathing exercises or reading a daily devotional.

Step Two: Get exercise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, you should participate in physical activity that is moderate or vigorous for at least 30 minutes per day. This thirty minute exercise routine will reduce fatigue and help you to endure the challenges of your busy day.

Step Three: Eat healthy. Start the process of healthy eating by revisiting the food pyramid. Are you eating the right amount of foods in each category? For instance, have you eaten 3 ounces of whole grains or 30 grams of fiber today? Also, do not forget the most important meal of the day: breakfast.

Step Four: Stay hydrated. Trivia Question: Drinking ___________ that equals one half of your body weight, in ounces, is an excellent way to keep your skin, hair, and body hydrated? The answer is WATER, so grab a glass and add a lemon twist.

Step Five: Sleep well. The goal is get eight hours of sleep per day; however it seems to be unobtainable. The investment in a good night’s rest is well worth the time invested. Remember, getting enough sleep will help you to feel revitalized and refreshed throughout the day.

Step Six: Reduce stress. Stress can cause a multitude of physical trouble, such as back pain, digestive problems, and headaches. To maintain good health, you should take affirmative steps to live a well-balanced life by reducing stress.

Step Seven: Identify needs and desires. Take the time to be reflective about your vocational journey. Think about why you decided to attend law school. Rekindle your passion for law and justice.

Step Eight: Improve your time management. You should maximize the benefits of your Microsoft Outlook calendar. You can set electronic reminders for upcoming assignments, student organization meetings, and personal commitments.

Step Nine: Laugh more. “The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” (Mark Twain) Laughter is medicine for the soul so laugh more and laugh often.
 
Step Ten: Celebrate life. What did you love to do before entering law school? Starting today, you should revisit those activities. Take a visit to the local art museum, read a book to a child, or watch your favorite movie.

Implementing these ten simple steps will help you to live a healthier lifestyle and improve your law school performance.

Artika Tyner is a graduate of the University of Saint Thomas School of Law. She is a University of Saint Thomas Clinical Law Fellow in the Community Justice Project, where she trains law students to become agents of social change.

Copyright 2008