As we are coming back from spring break, and already wishing it was summer, it’s really easy to give up on those last couple of tests and throw in the towel. But, as we grow groggy from the last two months seeming to drag on, it’s really important to remember to take care of yourself. It’s easy to be swept up into the chaos of our daily lives, but, no matter what, you should always be your most important priority. Here are five self-care tips that you should make time for every single day.
1. Sleep – I know that this may seem like an obvious one, but in college, it seems that sleep is something that many people are unaware of. We stay up late studying, reading, finishing that last minute essay that we knew we should’ve started earlier. Other times, as fun as it can be, we tend to stay up late binge watching shows on Netflix or going out on the weekends to hang out with some of your friends, and neglecting to catch up on those much needed zzz’s. Although it seems much more beneficial to stay up late to memorize that last bit of information, it is actually healthier to put the books away and sleep in order to help your brain retain the information. So, make sure that you are trying to fit in at least eight hours of sleep a night. I promise you will see major results.
2. Have some alone time – College is a great time to meet new people and spend time getting to know them and make lifelong friends. However, it is just as vital to have some good solitary time. Unplug yourself from the social media posts, the endless text messages, and unread emails that you have yet to reply to. You will have time to get back to all of those things later, but being able to find a good moment to spend alone isn’t always easy to come by. So, whenever you can get the chance, just take some time for yourself to reflect on the day, meditate, or just lay in bed and relax your body.
3. Exercise – I know that it’s not always easy to get yourself up out of your comfy bed and to the gym, but it is so important to self-care. This doesn’t mean that you have to go bulk up at the gym seven days a week, but even a simple thirty minutes at the gym can work wonders for your body. It lets your body know that you care for it enough to take care of it in the best way possible. Going to the gym at least three times a week can really improve your mood and help you do better in school.
4. Eat and drink water – Throughout our busy schedules, it’s really easy to forget that our bodies are our homes, and it needs us to nourish it in order to be able to do its job. There’s a reason why our bodies can only survive for a short while without water… It is incredibly important to our well-being. Drinking more water may mean taking a couple more bathroom breaks than usual, but it means that you will be able to get rid of all the bad stuff inside of you. College is a time to be involved and be active, but first, you must eat in order to allow your body to keep up with you. Whether you want to eat a large salad or big box of pizza, eat it and enjoy every second of it. Your body needs that extra energy, and it will thank you for it. Trust me.
5. Treat yourself – I truly believe that this one is one of the most, if not the most important, tip needed. In college, we are always faced with an endless amount of deadlines that are due in the upcoming weeks. Once you finish one assignment it seems that you already have another one due in a day or two. Even if you have another assignment due soon, just push it aside for a couple hours. It won’t hurt anything, I promise. Give your brain some time to rest and treat yourself to a yummy chocolate bar or read a book (not school related) as you sit poolside. Whatever you enjoy, make sure that you set time out of your schedule to do just that. You don’t want to forget to treat yourself or else you will find that you have burned out too quickly.
