Here’s my thinking: You probably cannot afford or have the time for a spring fling somewhere warm. The kids are in school, so you have other restrictions too. Rather than taking the spring and summer off from school…you should keep going and get it done.

Spring and summer semesters are an ideal time to learn more and get those credits completed. And you can do it all in a compressed, financially advantageous time period.

Granted, the time period between April and August is traditionally more relaxed. But ponder it…Taking a class or two during between school semesters can be a big plus. Depending on your school, you will have access to boutique-style classes taught by top-notch faculty who otherwise might not be available. The classes are taught at convenient times, allowing for greater flexibility. And summer courses allow students to graduate early if they choose.

“We believe summer school is worth it,” said Jim Rosenblatt, dean of Mississippi College School of Law. “Students take summer school in order to be graduated early so they can take the spring bar exam, to take a lighter load in a semester when they have law journal responsibilities or are a member of an advocacy team, or to complete a JD/MBA degree in 3 ½ years.”

Focusing on one or two classes during the spring or summer also means you can concentrate more on these subjects – a pleasure not normally allowed to a full-time student. You can get more done and not have to divide your loyalty among professors or assignments. Summer sessions in particular may not be as long, so you can pack more in during a shorter time.

Yes, there is always a negative. You probably already are tired – and having a family just complicates things. So if you don’t do well on the class it can drop your grade point. That is something no one can afford, no matter what the price tag on the class. And it is important to work during the summer months for the experience or seek out an internship. This training is key to finding a job later as well.

You may even want to use that typically wasted time between spring, summer and fall and turn it into a mega-experience. You could go abroad if that is in your budget. You may want to try an unpaid internship or work experience if you can get into the place of your dreams. It is all valuable and it will all add to your life one way or another.

If you cannot take a class, don’t worry. Think of your time off as recharging your battery. Studies have shown that employees who take advantage of their vacation days perform better in the near and long-term while also being happier than those who let their days squander.

According to the folks over at Dale Carnegie Training, “a vacation’s existence is not accidental, and no one should ever overlook his or her allotment. People should feel empowered to claim their time and to enjoy it to the fullest.” These are business people, after all, and they’re not going to recommend something that isn’t beneficial for you and for the companies you would work for.

Ultimately, a happier you will have better health and energy, which are the critical elements in success. So do what it takes to make you happy. Today, on the day after Spring Forward, about nine more hours of sleep would make my family happy. But we’ll get through it – knowing that those long, warm summer nights outside will make these cold, pre-spring mornings worth it.

Do you crave fatty, salty, and sugary foods when you’re stressed? That is all part of the Cortisol effect. You may also experience changes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and other conditions that can cause weight gain and serious health problems such as heart disease. To add insult to injury, Cortisol has also been linked to increased belly fat. Yuck!

When you are stressed, you more than likely experience lack of motivation. With less time for exercise and healthy eating during times of difficulty, stress can adversely impact your ability to keep the pounds from piling on. Now, talk about adding stress… This starts a horrible cycle! Now you stress about added weight! Take control.

6 tips to Help You Keep Your CompoSURE:

Take a Breather – Relax
It may be one the oldest tricks in the book, and advised the most; but, it really does work. Your mind is racing and you see no end to your list of things to do… It should be no surprise the effects of a few good, deep breaths can do for you. Breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth. Go slowly and focus on filling up your stomach (not your chest) with air. Continue to breathe until you feel more at ease. This helps to get oxygen flowing through your body and relaxes you. This exercise can be done anywhere – in your office, in traffic, standing in line at a department store, in court – all of these places tend to be stressful.

Put Your Endorphins to Work – Exercise
Endorphins are the feel-good hormones that directly battle anxiety and tension. Making time to go to the gym may be very difficult; however, even small amounts of physical activity can boost metabolism and bring on major health benefits. Walk at lunch, play with your kids, walk the dog for 30 minutes, shoot some hoops, take a bike ride, or if you’re lucky, go to the gym. A great stress reliever is also swimming. Put your endorphins to work for you!

Don’t Eat the Whole Steak in One Bite – One Thing at a Time
We don’t consume a steak in one bite. Instead, we cut the steak into manageable pieces and before you know it, the whole steak is gone! Instead of being consumed by thinking of everything you have to do for the next week or month, focus on what you can do today, right now. Learning to set achievable goals on a daily basis is paramount. Make sure to write them down. Remember to cross off each task after completion – this gives you visual proof of your accomplishment. In essence, this is also a step in promoting better time management skills. In looking at completed tasks, you will feel less overwhelmed and before you know it, your “steak” will be gone!

Avoid Feeding Stress – Put That Cupcake DOWN
When you are pulled in a million directions and lack time, it may be comforting and easy to reach for unhealthy foods. Fast foods and comfort foods are not the way to go. Don’t keep unhealthy snacks in your space. Get rid of the candy and chips in your desk drawer. Gaining additional weight during stressful times only exacerbates your stress. During times of anxiety or stress, try to snack on healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Try calming teas, such as chamomile. Avoid sodas. And as tempting as alcohol may be, try to refrain from drinking. The calories are bad enough; yet, studies prove that alcohol is a depressant. Make sure to drink plenty of water or sports drinks fortified with electrolytes.

Music, Art, Photography, Books, Friends – Stress Relief
We all know that music can be an escape. Having your favorite tunes close by really does help. To alleviate stress, pick up an interest or a hobby. If you love art, visit a museum. Make the time. Do you enjoy taking pictures or looking at photography? Do it! Books are also an awesome escape, as is an afternoon at the movies. Friends and socializing help us in perhaps discussing troubling times and they also make great companions for any of the aforementioned activities! Most importantly, MAKE time for yourself.

Sleep – Repair
Lack of sleep is linked to increased risk for weight gain, depression, colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. With that said, the very thing you may deprive yourself of, may be the very thing that is adding pounds and ultimately MORE stress. When you don’t get adequate sleep, you’re body goes into a state of stress. Why promote stress? Don’t let stress rob you of sleep. Your body needs sleep to repair. Melatonin is a natural supplement you can take at night that helps to promote sleep.

Your health is all you really have. Each one of these suggestions can be expanded… Surely, this will be a topic again in the near future. Moms, Classes, Careers… Life is stressful; but, don’t let stress put a cramp on your life. By taking calculated steps, you can help to alleviate stress. In so doing, you create a healthier life. And a long life is what we all hope for. Do more than wish. Take control and tell pesky stress to take a hike! Add that to your activities list.

If you have some good stress relievers, please share them in the comments section below! Or if you have any questions, feel free to start a dialogue!

So its official, you have decided to further your college education, congratulations!  But, maybe you are just a little apprehensive and find yourself having the back-to-school jitters.  As a mom who has gone back to school in the past, I can honestly say that I did get the jitters.  I got the pre-jitters, post jitters, you name it, I got the jitters.  Why?  Well, being a mom as you know definitely requires a lot more responsibility.  More than I ever thought.  So I guess my jitters were not only associated with worrying about getting outstanding grades; it was also how to prioritize and manage crazy schedules with my husband, kids etc.

How did I overcome those back-to-school jitters? It definitely took a couple of weeks for me to get into smooth and steady routines, but after organizing and prioritizing everything around my schooling, it just became a part of everyday life.  Whether you are taking one, two, or three classes, you will eventually find your mommy groove.

How many classes should you take? Only you as a mom knows the answer to that question — along with how much you can handle.  I was advised to take only two at the most in one semester so that falling behind would not be an option.  I can honestly say that taking two classes worked out for me, though it was still a challenge. I am not going to lie — going back to school while being a mom is a lot of hard work, but it can be done.

I chose to take my courses online. With online classes comes time flexibility which is perfect for moms in my opinion.  When my little ones would take their naps, I would do my schooling — online sessions, studying, etc.  Two hours a day was the magic number for me to be successful in school.  Every mom is different.  What may work for one mom may not work for the next.  I think this is also dependent on how many children you have and if you are a working mom or a stay at home mom.  I currently know a mom of four boys who works full-time and is taking online college courses.  This may sound like a huge load, but it works for her.

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly….. Alleviate your back-to-school jitters by doing what works for you.

So do you have any tips for moms going back to school? By all means, share them below!