Day in the life of a full time student athlete

Balancing life as a student athlete is no joke, and trust me, there are days when it feels like I need a personal assistant just to keep track of everything! That's why I wanted to share a bit more about how I actually manage to squeeze in my studies amidst all the training and classes. It's not always glamorous, but with a few strategies, it's totally doable. First off, time management is my absolute best friend. My 5 AM wake-up for Pilates isn't just about fitness; it sets the tone for a disciplined day. I live by my planner, literally blocking out time for everything – from my anatomy and physics classes to practice sessions and even meal prep. If it's not on the schedule, it probably won't happen. I've learned that even small pockets of time, like that 15-minute break between lectures or riding in the car, can be used for reviewing notes or making a quick to-do list. When it comes to actual studying, I've found a few methods that really click for me. Creating study guides is a a game-changer. After each lecture, I try to summarize the key points in my own words. This active recall helps solidify the information, and then when exam time rolls around, I'm not starting from scratch. I also love making flashcards, especially for those anatomy terms or physics formulas. I keep them on my phone or a small physical stack so I can whip them out whenever I have a spare moment – waiting for practice to start, during a bus ride, or even while making dinner. It's amazing how much you can learn in small, consistent bursts. Another crucial tip is to prioritize sleep and downtime. It might sound counterintuitive when you have so much to do, but burning out helps no one. My evenings, like catching an episode of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' or winding down with a book like 'Most Valuable Playboy,' aren't just for fun; they're essential for recharging my brain and body. I've learned that a well-rested mind is far more efficient than an exhausted one. Sometimes, that means saying no to extra social events or pushing a study session to the next morning, but it's always worth it for my well-being and academic performance. Lastly, don't be afraid to lean on your resources. Whether it's connecting with professors during office hours, forming study groups with teammates, or utilizing campus tutoring centers, there's support available. We're all in this together, and sharing tips or explaining concepts to each other can really boost understanding. That feeling of catching up and getting ahead, like I mentioned about my day off, often comes from effective planning and utilizing every tool at my disposal. It’s tough, but incredibly rewarding!