Starting the new year with 75 soft!!🌸

My 75 Soft journey has been such a transformative experience, and I wanted to share a deeper dive into how I’m truly making it work, especially with the whirlwind of nursing school. When I first heard about the 75 Hard challenge, it felt a little too intense for my already packed schedule. That’s why My 75 Soft approach, focusing on sustainable healthy habits and self-care without the extreme rigidity, resonated so much with me. It’s about building a foundation of wellness that enhances, rather than overwhelms, your life. One of the biggest questions I get is, "How do you fit it all in?" Honestly, it comes down to intentional scheduling and prioritizing. My 30-minute morning walk isn't just exercise; it's my non-negotiable mental reset. I literally schedule it in my calendar around my nursing classes and clinicals, clearing my head before diving into anatomy or pharmacology. For my 8 glasses of water, I keep a huge, aesthetically pleasing water bottle with me at all times, refilling it constantly. It’s a visual reminder, and I find myself sipping throughout the day without even thinking about it. Pilates has become my sanctuary. After hours of sitting in lectures or standing in labs practicing injections, my body craves movement that also strengthens my core and calms my mind. I usually do a 30-45 minute online session in the late afternoon, right in my living room. And let's talk about food! My smoothie bowls are not just pretty; they're packed with nutrients that keep me energized for those long study sessions. I often prep ingredients the night before, so it’s a quick blend-and-go. I also make sure to have healthy, easy-to-grab snacks like fruit or nuts on hand to avoid unhealthy cravings when I’m deep in my textbooks. The sleep component is something I've truly had to fight for. As nursing students, pulling all-nighters can feel like a badge of honor, but I quickly realized it was detrimental to my learning and overall well-being. Aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep means I have to be disciplined with my evening routine. That's where my reading before bed comes in. Instead of scrolling on my phone, I pick up a physical book. It helps me wind down, disconnect from screens, and signals to my brain that it's time to rest. This intentional downtime has drastically improved my sleep quality, which in turn boosts my focus and retention during lectures. Integrating my nursing study goals into My 75 Soft challenge was a unique twist. It's not just about physical health; it's about holistic well-being, which includes academic progress. Setting specific daily study targets, whether it's reviewing a certain chapter or practicing a skill like venipuncture for an hour, gives structure to my academic life, much like the other habits structure my physical health. It’s all about consistent, manageable efforts rather than sporadic, overwhelming bursts. Of course, there are days when things don't go perfectly. I might miss a Pilates session because of an unexpected study group, or I might not hit my water goal. The beauty of My 75 Soft is that it's forgiving. Instead of feeling like a failure and giving up entirely, I simply acknowledge it and get back on track the next day. It’s about progress, not perfection. This mindset shift has been incredibly empowering. If you're looking for a way to bring more balance and intentionality into your life without the pressure of an extreme challenge, I genuinely encourage you to explore your own version of the 75 Soft. It has genuinely transformed how I approach my health, studies, and self-care as a nursing student.