So as I am entering my fourth week of college classes and college life in general, I am beginning to realize the importance of self-care. In this transition of my life I'm learning just how difficult in can be to balance school, work, friends, etc. As freshman we generally take about 13 hours of classes (unless you're an overachiever, more power to you guys) and each professor thinks that their class is the only class we have to worry about which leads to lots of homework and not a lot of time. In the midst of all of this you can easily forget how important it is to take care of your mental health and wellbeing.
1. Make to-do lists
Okay, yes this is a cliché thing that EVERYONE tells you to do, but just hear me out. When you make a to-do list, how much better do you feel when you start marking stuff off of it? Pretty dang good because you can see how productive you've been. So do not just make an ordinary, boring to-do list! Put every single thing you have to do that day on your to-do list that way when you cross things off like eat lunch or take a shower or go to class then you will feel so much more accomplished. If you just put the boring stuff on your list, it won't make marking things off of it very fun.
2. Remember to eat!!!!!
When living at home, it is easy to rely on your mom to make sure that you eat dinner, and remember your lunch for school; however, college is WHOLE different ballgame. If you aren't eating like you should be, then your body isn't going to be working to it's full potential. Food is also a good way to distress and get out of your dorm, nothing is better than a chicfila break with your friends after a couple hours of homework.
3. Make time for YOU
This is not time for you to go out with your friends or time for you to study this is time for YOU and only you. Make sure you have a few hours a week solely devoted to you whether that be binge watching Netflix, reading a book, taking a well deserved nap, or just going for a drive. Get by yourself and recollect your thoughts so that your life doesn't seem so overwhelming.
4. Call your mom, grandma, best friend, or whoever
Sometimes the best thing for a stressed mind is a good, long phone call. I call my mom almost everyday and on my good days phone calls are about 15 minutes but when I'm really stressed they can go on forever. My favorite thing to do is pace around the kitchen on my floor and just rant to my mom about everything bothering me. So my advice is find a really good listener and just let it out. (Just remember to get your booty in gear after you rant about how stressed you are.)
5. EXERCISE
This is pretty self explanatory, do not just sit in your dorm all the time. Get off of your little booty and go to the gym, go for a run, go for a walk, go play soccer with some friends, go throw a Frisbee around, JUST DO SOMETHING! Physical activity is SO good for your brain and will actually help you focus better when it comes time to study.
6. It is okay to say no
It is a really good idea to be as involved as possible, but you have to be careful. The opportunities to get involved on campus are seriously endless but that does not mean you have to be in every club and organization available to you. Pick a few and make sure that you can keep up with what you have before adding anymore obligations to your schedule. Honestly, this does not always even just apply to school activities but to friends as well. It is okay to say "No I don't wanna hang out" or "No I can't go eat tonight" if you're busy or just need a little time to yourself at the time.
7. These years are yours
Please please please don't forget that college is for you and you alone to figure everything out. You are the one who has to be happy with your choices, decisions, as well as the consequences that come with them. Do what makes you happy and forget the rest. Make good grades, study, hang out with people who bring you up, cut off the people who bring you down, and never give up. Believe in yourself and remember that you can do ANYTHING you want to.
