Hello internet besties, it’s Alexis here. On this brisk Sunday morning, I’ve been thinking how I balance engineering school. Content creation and, well… life weigh on me too. It’s a lot sometimes, but over time, I’ve built routines and systems that help me stay (mostly) sane.
✨ Keyword: mostly.
Let’s be honest. There are still days when my to-do list feels chaotic. It’s as if three different versions of me wrote it, all in varying stages of caffeine-fueled chaos. Between late-night study sessions, editing UGC content, and trying to have a social life, it can get overwhelming. And yet… here we are, making it work.
If you’ve ever wondered how I handle civil engineering classes, as well as brand collaborations, this post is for you. I also manage running my blog. I also manage to keep my houseplants alive (keyword: somehow).
So grab your matcha, hot or cold H2O, or your favorite coffee, no judgment. Let’s dive into the routines, tools, and mindset shifts that help me stay grounded, productive, and (mostly) in control.
Here’s what’s actually been helping me balance everything (without completely losing my mind):
🧘♀️ Yoga, Meditation, and Prayer
I start most mornings with yoga and meditation. Sometimes I pair it with a quiet prayer to Kwan Yin. It sets the tone for my day. It helps me breathe through stress. It gives me a little moment of peace before things get busy.
🚶♀️🚲 Walks + Bike Rides for Clarity
Whenever I’m stuck creatively, I take a walk. If I am stuck mentally, I will hop on my bike. Moving my body in nature helps me clear my head. Most of the time, I come back with new ideas or solutions to things I was overthinking.
🎮 Video Games to Unwind
My brain often gets tired from engineering formulas. When that happens, I take a break from content creation. I’ll play some video games. It’s my favorite way to hit pause, escape, and just have fun.
🌿 Cannabis for Relaxation and Creativity
On days when I need to really unwind, I’ll partake in some cannabis consumption. When I’m looking for a little creative boost. It helps me relax, shift my perspective, and sometimes sparks my best ideas. (Responsibly, of course!) – it helps my anxiety too, my therapist is thrilled we found a solution that works for me.
🥗 Eating Healthy (But Also Realistically)
Balancing life gets 10x harder when I’m not fueling my body right. I try to eat nourishing meals that keep my energy up—lots of protein, healthy fats, and greens. But I’m not above a late-night snack run or comfort food when I need it. Balance is everything.
📝 Brain Dumps + To-Do Lists
I’m a huge fan of brain dumps. I’ll scribble out everything that’s on my mind, then organize it into bite-sized to-do lists so I don’t get overwhelmed.
⏰ Time Management Tricks That Actually Work
- Time-blocking: I schedule chunks of time for studying, content creation, and rest—otherwise, it’s chaos.
- Pomodoro technique: I work in 25-minute sprints with short breaks. It keeps me focused without burning out.
- Top 3 priorities: Every day, I pick three must-do tasks. If I get those done, I’m winning.
📚 Using All My School Resources
This one’s big. I tap into every resource my school offers—tutoring centers, study groups, office hours, you name it. Engineering is no joke, and asking for help or finding extra support has made a huge difference. Honestly, if I’m paying for school, I’m gonna use all the tools available.
💤 Rest + Sleep
I used to glorify all-nighters… until I realized sleep is my secret weapon. Prioritizing rest helps me stay sharp, creative, and human. I aim for 7-8 hours a night and sneak in naps when I can.
📓 Notion = My Second Brain
Notion is where I keep my life together. My school deadlines, content calendar, and personal goals are all in there. I swear by it.
🍵 Slow Mornings (When I Can Get Them)
I cherish mornings when I have time to enjoy them. I love sipping a warm matcha or tea. I enjoy having a candle burning. I also appreciate a little quiet time before the day ramps up. It makes a big difference.
🤝 Community + Support System
I wouldn’t be sane without my people. Study groups, supportive friends, and fellow creators keep me motivated and grounded. Surrounding yourself with people who get it makes all the difference.
🎉 Celebrating the Small Wins
Every time I hit a deadline early, post new content, or even remember to water my plants, I celebrate. It’s easy to get caught up in everything we haven’t done, but small wins deserve love too!
💭 Mindset Shifts + Affirmations
I’m big on affirmations. A few I say on repeat:
- “I’m capable of balancing hard things with ease.”
- “Progress over perfection.”
- “I am building the life I want, one step at a time.”
💸 Financial Self-Care
Part of staying balanced is being mindful with my money:
- I budget for school expenses, content creation tools, and self-care treats.
- I track my income from UGC and blog projects.
- And yes, I give myself permission to splurge when I hit big milestones (hello, new plants and skincare!).
🌟 My “Why”
At the end of the day, this balancing act is about building the life I dream of. I want to be an engineer and a creative, to show up for myself, my community, and my future. That vision keeps me going when things get tough. Balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving yourself grace. It’s about finding what works for you. It’s also about knowing when to lean on your tools, routines, and people. Whether it’s a long bike ride, a deep breath during yoga, or a tutoring session, it all counts.
So, tell me—how do you stay grounded when life gets crazy? Drop your go-tos in the comments. I’m always down to try something new!
