What most high school graduates find out if they decide to continue their education is that college is a careful mix of three things: working, academics, and penny-pinching. It's stressful. You're pulled in more directions than you ever have been, and you're expected to handle it all like a pro. Your job. Your classes. Your friends. Usually, you fall to the wayside, buckling under the pressure of responsibilities and expectations while planning for the future.
I've been there.
Actually, I'm still there, juggling 15 credit hours, a demanding internship, my position at Odyssey, a TA position, and, well, everything else my personal life expects of me. Since I'm in my third year of university, I've had a bit more time to figure out that careful balance between you and everything else. So here is my (incomplete) Cheap and Easy Guide to Self-Care:
1. Create a Morning Routine
You may have heard the expression: "I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning" once or twice before. Sometimes, it may have been sarcasitcally directed at you.
How we start our day makes a huge difference in how we feel about that day. My depression and anxiety usually set me back a bit, so I try my best to counter-attack it right when I wake up. I wash my face with ice-cold water to refresh myself before going out on my balcony to enjoy a soothing cup of iced-coffee. When the weather doesn't agree with my plans, I sit on the plush, red rug in my living room with my balcony blinds open, taking in the dewy day, bustling sidewalks, and hum of nature.
My goal is to start the day with as much relaxation and peace as possible. If you have a different goal, then tailor your new morning routine to that, instead. Try it for a week, be faithful to it, and tell me how much of a difference it makes!
2. Engage in Physical Activity
Now, I did not say "Exercise" for a reason.
While exercise is a wonderful method to destress, it doesn't work for everyone. It doesn't mesh with their lives. Some feel they have to force themselves into an intense workout scheme to add any true benefit to their lives, and the thought alone exhausts them. I understand. So while exercise is a proven way to destress, there's something else out there for you, too
Try stretching, or rather, yoga. I consider this a more meditative form of exercise, though the way it grips at your muscles could discount that opinion.
Years ago, when I visited California and partook in yoga on Long Beach - the actual beach - I left feeling like a whole new person. So pick a few beginning positions, start out with a low count, and give it a try!
3. Rest
Self-care comes in many forms, A.K.A. the forms that work for you. If what you need in your life is a little more sleep, manage your time and schedule yourself a nap!
I give myself anywhere from an hour to two hours to rest my eyes. Setting an alarm on my phone ensures that I don't ruin my schedule, and I can wake up and tackle anything else that day has to throw at me!
4. Spa Day (Or Night)
You can rejuvenate yourself alone, or with your friends, for pretty cheap!
Bubble baths are ultimate. I try to take a few a month with the bubble bath mixtures my boyfriend bought my last Christmas. If you have a dollar store near you, they have large bottles of the stuff (in various, soothing scents like lavender) for only a few dollars! Compared to the prices at stores such as Bath & Body Works, this is a spectacular deal!
If you don't have a tub in your dorm or apartment, that's okay, there are other aspects to spa day (or night) that you can afford! For instance, nails.
Pedicure / manicure kits - the small, travel cases with the file, cutter, curette, tweezers, scissors, and nail needle - are fairly cheap at dollar stores and department stores. That is, if you, your parents, or one of your friends doesn't already have one they would let you borrow! You can clean up your nails and cuticles before painting them!
Another aspect from spa day (or night) can come from your own kitchen!
Face masks can be made out of everything from mayonnaise to powdered milk! Yogurt, too. DIY face masks are easy, cheap, and fun to make!
If you don't have the ingredients, or don't feel like making one, your grocery store usually has small, single packets of face masks in the facial care aisle. At mine, I can purchase a packet for $1.39, and usually, there is enough inside for two, full-face applications!
Any single or combination of these can make for a rejuvenating night. If you're really crunched for time, you can apply a pre-made face mask and do homework as it sets!
5. Put Aside Time for Something You Enjoy
Pick something small. Maybe a TV show or two, a home-movie with friends or family, cooking or baking a new recipe, an hour of reading or video games, a walk in the fresh air...
The list goes on, and what you pick depends on you!
For me, I prefer to either treat myself with a show or book. Last semester, I watched every season of Criminal Minds, and now, I'm working my way through Supernatural.
Whether its one of these items on this guide or a combination, implementing them a few times a week (or month, if you go all-out for the spa option) can alleviate the weight on your shoulders. Life is hard when it pulls you in so many directions, so take some time for yourself.
Trust me, you'll thank yourself for it later.
