These past few weeks I came to realize something. A lot of people really do not take care of themselves. Everyone seems to get really involved in the hustle and bustle of their lives and forget to focus on one of the most important aspects of it, themselves. I came to this harsh reality with not taking care of myself last semester. I have anxiety and depression and I honestly never took my medications or anything. I just spent a lot of time focusing on other things and totally forgot about myself. I set a goal for myself this year to always give myself some love and care and I am writing this article for you to do the same.

You need to take care of yourself. I understand it gets tough. I understand it gets busy, but just like you make plans with friends or even make plans to study; you can plan some time for you too. Even if you are just taking a hot bath and cuddling up with your favorite pillow and your favorite book. That can do tremendous things for your mental health and well-being. If you want all you want in your life, then who is going to get you there? Yourself. The thing is though, you need to take care of yourself then.

I found this picture on Tumblr and honestly it has opened my eyes. This is very true. You cannot pour from an empty cup. You cannot give anything your all if you don't give yourself the same. Taking care of yourself can also improve your health. Stress can do so much bad to the body and not a lot of people realize that. Take 30 minutes to just breath, nap, listen to some music, watch TV, etc. Just do something that involves only you and being able to take a breather from whatever.

I am going to leave this little list of 10 SIMPLE things you can do to take care of yourself that do not even require a whole lot of time.

1. Light a candle, maybe eucalyptus or lavender and take some deep breaths.

2. Write some positive quotes and post them on your bathroom mirror or front door.

3. Drink a lot of water.

4. Take a hot bath and soak your worries away.

5. Put on your favorite outfit and do your hair and makeup.

6. Journal about your day every night.

7. Sit outside and actually look around without being on your phone.

8. Do some cardio.

9. If you had a great week, reward yourself with ice cream or something.

10. Go on a scenic drive.

No matter you do, do it for you. You are living this life for you, right? Then take care of yourself and treat yo'self in the process.

Take some time to take care of yourself. Remember you are not you without you. You can do this.