If you are anything like me, you are probably juggling much more than you can handle between work, school, social life, etc. All of this builds and adds to a stressful, anxiety-filled life, which is not healthy for anyone's mentality or physicality. Self-care is so important, but it often gets lost or falls through the cracks.
I stress myself out over the little things; the ambiguity of the future or I dwell on the past. I tend to over-commit myself and take on much more than I think I can handle. In my eyes, if I don't think I'm doing something productive, I see it as a waste of time.
That is why I am that crazy college student who has a major, two minors, works two part-time jobs, directs a musical, and writes for Odyssey.
From my hectic life, I have learned that self-care is EXTREMELY important, especially for college students. Here are 21 little ways to practice self-care.
1. Read a book
...or 10
2. Quit a bad habit
Whether it's nail biting or staying up way too late at night, take baby steps to break yourself of that bad habit. You will feel SO much better when you finally break it!
3. Start a journal
Journaling is a great way to get all of your creative thoughts on paper.
4. Have a mini declutter session
Clean out your closet and get rid of stuff that you don't need. Donate it to people who DO need it.
5. Devote 1 night a week for "me time"
To be honest, I'd take a movie night snuggled up in my bed over a party ANY day.
6. Take a long relaxing shower or bath
Light your favorite candle, turn on some relaxing music, toss in your favorite bath bomb, and just r e l a x.
7. Turn off your phone for a few hours
Fight the urge to check your Twitter and Snapchat every five minutes.
8. Go for a long walk
Long walks are a great way to clear your head and look at the beauty around you.
9. Wash your face everyday.
I wash my face with cold water before I go to bed and when I wake up in the morning. It's soothing and hydrating for your skin, and it makes you feel refreshed and clean.
10. Watch the stars
One of my most favorite, most relaxing things to do is to look up at the milky night sky and see all the countless stars shining down.
11. Write down 10 things you are grateful for
Try to do this on a weekly basis and keep adding 10 new things that you are grateful for. It's always fun to watch your list of blessings grow.
12. Try something new
Whether it's joining a club or watching a new Netflix series, try it out! You never know where it may lead you down the road.
13. Do whatever it is that you've been procrastinating
My advice for this is to make weekly to-do lists. I make lists every week in my planner to help me stay organized and on top of everything. Without my lists, I would probably lose my mind.
14. Blast a playlist of your favorite songs and dance the night away
Who cares if you look like a goofball? Get out your inner weirdness and just DANCE!
15. Take a long, much needed nap
Because we all need one...right?
16. Write a thank you note to someone, just because
Writing cards and thank you notes seriously need to come back in style. Sending a simple "Thank You" text just isn't the same as sending a heartfelt handwritten card.
17. Stand in front of the mirror and create positive, loving affirmations for yourself
It's okay if you don't have Kim Kardashian's body, or Beyonce's hair, or Zendaya's eyebrows. You are unique and beautiful in your own way. Flaunt what you have and OWN IT.
18. Drink water
Not only does it help you stay hydrated all day, but it is SO much better for you than coffee or Mountain Dew.
19. Recognize success and reward yourself
Sometimes, we are so hard on ourselves that we don't even realize how much we have accomplished. Ace a test that you've been studying like crazy for? Reward yourself with Insomnia Cookies!
20. Devote 1 day a week for "carb-free" meals
Fill your meals with fruits and vegetables instead! Your body will thank you.
21. Enjoy the little things in life
Because we take so much in life for granted. Stop and take a moment to see the beauty around you and appreciate all of your blessings.
Now, nothing here is a magic cure for the impending stress and anxiety we feel in our daily lives. However, taking an hour or even a few minutes for yourself every day is the least you can do to take care of your mind, body, and spirit.
