Cultivating a Healthy Hustle

So as we’re heading into finals week (go bears), the most important thing you can do is take care of yourself. I know, it’s very cliché. But I’m a strong believer (and positive psychology research is too) that if you’re happier, you’ll be more successful. And this goes for everyone—whether you’re in finals or not.

Give yourself permission to put yourself on your to-do list; you’ll really be winning here because if you prioritize yourself, you’ll come at that Quizlet even more efficiently.

Here are a few of my tips for creating that balance between working hard and prioritizing yourself:

Commit to Your Rituals

I use my mornings as a way to kick off the day with inspiration and joy, and my evenings to wind down with ease and reflection. Every morning, I meditate, enjoy a warm cup of tea, and preview my to-do list. Before bed, I turn off all electronics, open up a good book, and write in my gratitude journal. Commit to those morning and evening rituals that make you feel good, and allow you to find that healthy hustle!

Manifest Some Mindfulness

Meditation, breathing, yoga! Honestly, my favorite buzzwords. You can control just about every situation with your breath. Whether you’re on your mat practicing yoga or off your mat working hard, allow your breath to draw you into a place of balance and content.

Dedicate Time to Others

Study with friends, call your mom, go to your local kombucha bar (yes, I actually did this and had the best time with Nikki and Bekah. :) Allow your breaks to be filled with the presence of people who uplift, support, and energize you! My best friend Allison and I studied at her Aunt Kathy’s home and even though we were studying most of the time, it was so nice just being in each other’s presence.

Explore!

In the spirit of happiness leading to success, I always treat finals week as a fun way to adventure. I study in new cafes, try out different workout studios, and do my personal favorite activity—soaking up the sun in Aunt Kathy’s solarium!

Trust Your Growth

In my yoga classes this week, I had my students write down how they’ve grown this year, and also channel the mantra, “I am growing. I am shining. I am at peace.” By acknowledging our past progress, we can tune in even more to all the ways we are currently growing and will continue to grow. This process of blooming varies from person to person, so trust whatever that process means for you!

Happy finals week! Remember to channel that “healthy” part of your hustle. :)