DEAR ABBY: I'm a high school student, but it's not easy for me. Studying is hard at home because I just want to goof off after a long day at school. My grades are OK, but I'm worried that if this continues they will slip.
Then there's my eating habits and fitness. My school lunch period starts late in the day, so it's hard to stay satisfied from breakfast. When I get home, I'm still hungry and eat whatever's around, not usually healthy. And sitting all day at school doesn't help my fitness. Recently, I decided to have only a cup of water or soda until dinner, but I'm not sure that's healthy. Exercising at home doesn't happen because I'm either goofing off or doing homework.
Finally, there's my sleep habits. I go to bed at 8 or 9, but I have to wake up at 5 the next morning. How can I have good grades, be fit and be rested while having fun, too? -- MULTI-TASKER IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
DEAR MULTI-TASKER: If you arrive home with low energy, put on some walking shoes and go for a walk/jog or do some other form of exercise. When you return home, your mind will be alert. Then, have a piece of fruit with some cheese or a boiled egg. This should hold you until dinner. Water is healthy, and you should be able to drink it in unlimited amounts.
After you have had your snack, get your homework out of the way. If you do, there should be an hour or so in the evening for you to "goof off" before bedtime without feeling guilty.