Watching my students march across the commencement stage fills me with wistfulness. No more research papers or presentations for the time now, but fond memories of another class of students moving out into the world. How quickly time moves! It’s these moments that remind me I need to slow down, take a deep breath, and make time for myself, too.

I have been weighed down with schoolwork, and just like many people beleaguered with piles of work, I haven’t been eating well, making time to exercise, or sleeping enough. As a dietitian I know how important it is to fill these basic needs, but I have found myself being trapped by the most common barrier to living a healthy life – I’ve been making excuses! I told myself I had too many papers to grade, not enough time to exercise or cook a well balanced meal, class prep that I told myself was top priority. Indeed, these things are very important – but not more important than living a long, healthy life. Next year when I look back, I hope to see that I took time to go for a walk, that I stopped at the vending machine less and went to the grocery store for fruits and veggies more, and took a deep breath now and then. Another great job by the students and an important lesson for the teacher!