This past week has been one of the most stressful weeks of my life. Classes are finally in full swing, tests are coming up quickly, and papers have already been due and turned in. The organizations that I am truly blessed to be in have all met and events are being planned. Rehearsals for my social justice group became super crazy and we met four nights in a row to prepare for the show. At this point, sleep deprivation was a real thing and the only thing I worried about was getting things done.

In the midst of all this craziness I caught a cold and continuously had an ongoing headache. I ignored it because everything else that was going on was too big and important. In the middle of all of this, I realized how much I was neglecting myself. That is when it dawned on me the true importance of self-care. If you are struggling with your self-care here is a list of a few things to keep in mind.

1. Your health matters greatly!

You cannot accomplish anything if you are not in tip top shape. Your health matters to those who love you, and those who count on you in all the commitments you made. So stay healthy in order to function properly and to be the best you possible.

2. It is okay to say NO!

We never want to look mean, so we say yes to everything and take on too many commitments. Most times a lot of us actually want to do everything, but we forget the fact that we are only human and we cannot do everything. So we can say yes and we stretch ourselves out thin. Being able to simply say no is definitely okay.

3. Be selfish!

When it comes to your wellbeing it is okay to be selfish. You have to take of yourself because no one else will do it for you. Don't feel guilty about being selfish, you need it, and deserve it.

4. Find some you time.

Dance in your room, stay in your PJs, read, or binge watch Netflix shows. Whatever you decide to do find time for yourself and do you. You need some TLC and having some you time is perfect for that.

5. Do something that makes you happy at least two times a week.

It is not a crime to do things that truly make you happy. Go to a park, volunteer at an animal shelter. Do something that puts a genuine smile on your face.

6. Write it down, crumble it up, and toss it.

Writing is very therapeutic and has solved a lot of problems. You don't even have to save your writing. Simply word vomit on paper, crumble that bad boy up, and toss it in the recycling bin. Let all your thoughts flow out of your brain and straight into your hands.

7. Find a friend to hold you accountable!

As humans, we are known to be more productive if someone else is counting on us. Having a friend to check up on you and your progress on your self-care is important. You can even be your friend's accountability partner.

Self-care is imperative. Take care of the body the lord gave you. Everything else can wait. You matter WAAAAY more!