As a first–year teacher with little time to spare, Andrew Franklin, 41, physical education and careers teacher at Mohave High School, has become very successful at making time to take care of his work, personal life, and focus on his body at the same time. Here’s how he does it.

“I workout three days per week with weights for maintenance and perform some drills–with the volleyball team I coach– everyday after school to get my cardiovascular exercise,” said Franklin. “I even incorporate fitness into my personal life by riding bikes with my girlfriend on weekends.”

To relieve tension from his vigorous workouts, coaching, and teaching, Franklin gets a massage regularly and practices aromatherapy.

“Aromatherapy is powerful and relaxes me. While going through it, I imagine myself in a different place, one that is peaceful, comforting, and stress–free,” said Franklin.

Being a first–year teacher at an at–risk school, new resident to Las Vegas, and a father of two children who reside in Northern California, Franklin often experiences some very challenging days but uses his soul, mind, and body as an ingredient for coping.

“I wouldn’t be able to handle the stresses of life and feel healthy without my workouts and relaxation techniques,” said Franklin. “To be successful in anything you have to have a balance between work and working out.”

Darryl Thomas

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