While this is not related to fitness or working out, I wanted to create this post so that others will see that they can do it too! Eight years ago, I graduated from high school with honors, excited about starting college. I decided to begin my collegiate journey at my local community college to finish some of my general education classes at a cheaper price (something I highly recommend everyone do). During this time I faced many obstacles in my academic journey including several botox injections that rendered me unable to take a full class load. This unfortunately caused me to take longer to finish my general education classes than normal. After three grueling years of taking classes at community college, I decided to transfer to Southern New Hampshire University online.
My time at Southern New Hampshire University has been extremely challenging and rewarding. I am currently finishing up my last class to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Throughout my time at Southern New Hampshire University, I have learned many things about myself and have become more responsible in my overall life. Having Cerebral Palsy, I have learned to manage the balance between completing my schoolwork and maintaining my body, so that it does not get tight. Early on in my collegiate career, I would work on papers for hours at a time without taking any breaks. This caused my body to be extremely tight and sore. Now, I routinely take stretching breaks every half hour or so to be able to accomplish my work without getting tight.
Here’s a few tips that I have learned from my colligate years that hopefully helps you!
Take stretch breaks
As previously mentioned, I routinely take stretch breaks while working on schoolwork. Some exercises that I do are wall stretches, cobras, and twists. For more information on these exercises check out my post about yoga! Ever since I started taking breaks, I do not experience the tightness in my body that I did when I would work on schoolwork for hours.
Schedule your time
This is the most beneficial tip I can give you! Most online programs allow you to work ahead in a class, unlike traditional in person classes. I highly recommend that you take advantage of this! This has allowed me to schedule my workload to accommodate my schedule and lifestyle. For example, when I have an upcoming botox injection or just a busy week I make sure to work ahead a week in my class. This allows me to not get so stressed out about school because I know that I have enough time to accomplish everything I need to do in my day-to-day life.
Don’t give up!
It doesn’t matter how long it takes to earn your degree! I know this isn’t always the easiest to realize, especially when you are in the midst of working on your degree. For me, I got very discouraged at one point because it was taking me so long to earn my degree. Now that I am almost finished, my advice is to not worry about how long it takes you to earn your degree. Earning a college degree is YOUR journey and achievement, so it does not matter what your classmates or friends are doing as far as earning their degree. Just concentrate on your journey and know that with hard work and dedication, you will graduate!
I hope these tips will help you with your college journey! Remember that you can do it despite the obstacles you face!
Fitness on Wheels 