How to Stay Sane as a Woman in STEM

Hey STEM Baddie! I don’t know about you, but I have had a long week. There have been so many things going wrong at work and many things I’ve had to coordinate and do and, of course, we couldn’t get everything done that we wanted. So I know that it’s hard out here and that we need to find ways to stay sane as women in STEM. It's easy to get wrapped up in our studies and our job and not take the time and energy to take care of ourselves, but we will show up so much better and more prepared when we take these tips and nurture ourselves. Now a lot of these tips will be common ones that you have most likely heard before, but maybe they will resonate a little differently this time!

1. Stay Healthy 🥗🧘‍♀️

Now I know you know this one, but it is so important to move your body, eat balanced meals, and get enough sleep every single day. I know I sound like a doctor- but bear with me! And ‘healthy’ can look different for everybody- so find what works for you. For me, I go to the gym once or twice/week, go to barre, pilates, yoga classes throughout the week and I also like to run. And for food, I eat a lot... but I’m actually fasting today because that’s what feels right for my body today. And I also don't play about my sleep- I go to bed at 9:30pm and wake up at or after 5:30am every day. But everybody is different, so like my favorite yoga youtuber always says, find what feels good.

2. Looking your best at all times 💅💁🏼‍♀️

As a STEM Baddie, you already know this but:

when we look our best, we perform our best

So why would we not want to perform our best every single day? And our ‘best’ looks different every day and is different for everyone, so again just find what makes YOU feel your best and don’t be scared to show up that way. It may be wearing our favorite scrunchie or a cute dress to take that final we're worried about, putting on some red lipstick before a big presentation, or maybe just putting on some mascara even when we don't feel like doing anything for our appearance that day.

3. Playing 🎮🏐

Now I love to have fun and be crazy in my day-to-day life which I really think keeps me sane, but I also love playing video games and playing in general. As you may have seen on my personal Instagram (@astro_molldoll), I am obsessed with all things Sonic and Shadow and the newest game for the Switch is so much fun!! So taking the time to play that or Assassin’s Creed on my Oculus really just gets me out of my own head and allows me to soften and turn off my brain. So playing is a huge thing I recommend, whether it’s sports, video games, crafting, dancing, whatever gets you out of your own head and able to be creative is a must-have hobby for women in STEM.

So this is your homework: Find a hobby that lets you turn off your brain and just be creative and have fun!

4. Meditating, reading the Bible, praying 🧎‍♀️🙏

Whatever spiritual practice you use, it is essential to have something that allows you to slow down and reconnect to yourself and/or a higher power. I am a Christian, so I love to read my Bible every night and meditate and pray before bed to help unwind. But maybe journaling is what helps you stay grounded and unwind. Find what helps you come back to yourself and quiet the noise of the every day.

5. Reading empowering books by women for women 📚📓

Self-explanatory, but I will add that just reading in general is a good practice to have. I love a good self-help book and also fantasy books like Fourth Wing.

6. Calling and staying in touch with friends and family 👯‍♀️🧑‍🧑‍🧒

Community is so important, and you never know how much time we have left on this Earth so use your time wisely. I call my family and best friend pretty regularly because they all live in Michigan and I am way over here in California, so staying in touch is not easy but definitely worth it.

That’s all I got for you today, baddies! I hope these tips will help you and make your life more full and balanced as women in STEM.