Q I’m a single parent with full time custody of my child. I go to school full time, and I get so overwhelmed trying to manage both. Any advice or suggestions?

– Overwhelmed Student

 A Hi O.S.,

I, too, am a single parent and a full-time student. Yes, it is a struggle and very challenging trying to do both, but the rewards are far higher than the struggles will ever be.

One thing that really helps is setting aside an hour of your busy day to fit in quality study time. If it means getting up at 6 a.m. to do it, then set your alarm.

Sometimes in order for us to be successful in multiple things, we must make necessary changes. Go to bed early so you can rise up early! You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish by knocking out the most tedious and time consuming tasks during the early morning.

Q I’m finding myself gaining more weight this year, and I think it’s a combination of stress and not having any time to work out while being a full-time student.

It doesn’t help that in between classes, the most convenient thing to grab is a bag of chips or Cup Noodles from Le Café.

I need help before it becomes really hard to bounce back to my original weight.

– Stress Gain

A Dear S.G.,

Bringing your own lunch from home makes a huge difference. You can buy healthy snacks, such as hard-boiled eggs, salads, fruits or almonds, that  keep you full throughout the day.

Many grocery stores carry healthy alternatives.

Another trick would be to walk wherever and whenever you can.  Take the stairs. Walk to the store instead. Do light exercises while watching television at home.

I found a link (http://www.acefitness.org/article/2863/) that has fun and easy exercises for anyone to do at home. The main thing is not to focus on losing weight but to focus on the switch to a healthy lifestyle.

Once you commit to living a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be amazed at how great you feel physically and mentally.

Good luck!

Q My boyfriend and I have been together for three years. He is transferring to the University of Miami and wants me to go with him in the fall.

I want to go, but I am afraid I will get homesick and will want to come back after being so far away from home.

What should I do?

– Torn Coast to Coast

A Dear Torn,

When making a big move, analyze how much weight the relationship carries in your life.  If the relationship is something that you hold dearly in your heart and if he is a good man to you,  then you should consider giving it a shot.

With technology like Facetime or Skype, loved ones are merely a button away.

Consider returning during breaks, over the summer or whenever you have a chance for a vacation, so it doesn’t feel like that big of a move.

Best of luck!