College is a combination of work, schoolwork, social life, clubs and flat out just becoming a functioning human of society.
Well, I can tell you, becoming a functioning human of society who has their life together is tough. That is why self-care is so important to college students but is something that falls between the cracks.
I personally greatly struggle with self-care. If I do not think I am doing something productive I see it as a waste of my time. That is why I am that crazy college student who has a major, two minors, takes six classes a semester and works seven days a week. Some commend me; others, like my roommates, are concerned for my well being. From my crazy life, I have learned that self-care is EXTREMELY important, especially for college students.
Here are eight tips I have learned along the way:
1. Music
I have found that even just taking the time to separate myself and walk to class with my headphones blasting with no one around me is a key self-care need for me. During this time I can think of absolutely nothing and just clear my head. On the days I do not take the time to do this I find myself to be stressed and irritated.
2. Working Out
Unfortunately for me, this is a self-care tip that I struggle to keep up with myself. Working out just makes our bodies feel better. Hormones and energy are released that just can change someone's entire mood. If you have yet to try working out as a self-care task, I highly suggest that you try it.
3. SLEEP
I did not learn until college how important sleep is. Sleep is my savior majority of the time. make sure you are catching some Z's because honestly they can make or break you. Naps are key to save you if you do not get enough sleep the night before, but make sure you wake up for class! Naps in between classes do not work for me I end up missing my second class.
4. Find Your Happy Place
Going to school on the water I have found a safe place sitting by the water just thinking and looking out into the distance. The water calms me more than I have ever really thought. To me I have learned water to me is the fountain of youth, it makes it like I am starting my day all over again. Wherever you go to school find the place that makes you feel safe and visit as often as you can. ( Psst for this self-care tip I combined number 2 & 4 by going on a run to the water).
5. Read a Book
Recently I have found a new love for reading. I used to hate reading and not understand how anyone could want to read for pleasure but it is a great thing. When I am reading I am able to think about someone else's life instead of mine for just a little bit and this break from thinking about my life is a great feeling. So try reading a book at night before you go to bed it helps you shut down and decompress from the day before catching some ZZZ's.
6. Netflix
This one is for the people that reading is just really not their thing. When having enough time to sneak in an episode of your favorite show, DO IT. Take a break in between task to relax and find out who is the next person to be killed in The Walking Dead. I got this tip from seeing one of my roommates reward herself with an episode every time she finishes up something she has to get done. It keeps her sane and able to get through the day.
P.S. every once in awhile a day of Netflix is required.
7. Clean Your Room
I know it sounds silly like your mom has come to college with you but I have come terms that when my room is a mess, I am a mess. A messy room for me just adds ten times more stress because I do not feel relaxed in my environment. So if you are like me take some time to just tidy up your room and then jump onto your freshly made bed and lay down for a little to admire your new clean space.
8. Find What Works For You
Everyone is different so you have to figure out what self-care task is best for you and your life. What works for you is not going to work for everyone else but hey don't knock it til you try it.
