I had an epiphany this week. I realized that I have not been making self-care a priority. Don’t get me wrong- college is great and I am having the time of my life. Yet I have neglected putting myself first, instead I have been preoccupied with my to-do list. And with finals coming up?

I am at risk for major stress. I need to take care of myself.

“Self-care” sounds so serious but also cathartic. And it is. But how do you put yourself first? How do you practice self-care?

Only you can figure it out. Self-care is subjective, and what is relaxing and purging to one person may be boring and exhausting to another. As an introvert, being social all day tires me out- I am surrounded by people all the time. I have found that alone time is hard to come by. So taking the time to be alone is a form of self-care to me. If I can carve out an hour to myself- maybe crack open Bridget Jones’ Diary and sip on a cup of chai tea. Afterwards, I feel calm and refreshed.

Or, you could take a page out of my friend Kayley’s book. When she is feeling stressed and out-of-character, she breaks out her yoga mat. She also gave me a great idea- albeit a bit unconventional. Write down your stressors on little pieces of paper, then set them aflame with a lighter. She says that there is some aspect about watching your stressors burn that is calming. (Make sure to light them with caution.)

Here is an idea: have a “treat yo self” day. Grab a bath bomb from lush, paint your nails a bright color, shamelessly eat one (or three!) red velvet cupcakes, watch Bridget Jones’ Diary only to cry out in frustration about where the fuck your Mark Darcy is, and then settle down enough to watch the sequel sans jealousy of a fictional character. Boom. Perfect day.

Even if torturing yourself for 45 minutes on an elliptical (ew) is your form of self-care- set aside time for it. You will be rewarded with a calm, zen, and happier mood.