It's that time of year again! Deadlines and finals are fast approaching and finals week is on the horizon. But don't worry, I'm here to remind you that you're awesome and to show you a big list of things you can do to take care of yourself during these stressful times.
Oftentimes, it's easy to forget to take care of ourselves when we are experiencing extreme amounts of stress. Whether that's from your personal life, classes, or whatever it may be, it's incredibly important to take time out of your day to take care of yourself so it doesn't effect your overall health and performance. Just like we were told to eat our vegetables to maintain our physical health, we also need to practice something called 'self-care' to take care of our mental health.
Even if you think studying for your exam tomorrow morning is your priority, it's important to keep in mind that your performance on your exam is not going to be as good if you're stressed out. So, even if it's for as a little as a minute, be sure to take some time out of your day to really "treat yo-self." If you're in need of some ideas, here are some of the things I like to do that work wonders:
1. Go for a walk.
2. Let loose and dance to your favorite song.
3. Take a nap.
4. Put on your favorite pajamas.
5. Order a cup of soup from Panera. (They deliver now!)
6. Start a new book or read another chapter of one you're already reading.
7. Take a hot shower.
8. Shave your legs.
9. Message a good friend.
10. Do a digital detox. Turn off your phone.
11. Watch a movie you haven't seen since you were a kid.
12. STRETCH.
13. Drink a glass of water. (Hydrate or Diedrate)
14. Even if it's not something you're great at, draw something.
15. Sit down and write about your day.
16. Learn a new skill.
17. Go to Michaels and pick out a craft to do.
18. Have a hot cup of tea. Or coffee. Or hot chocolate. Whatever suits your fancy.
19. Help someone with a small task.
20. Get up early and eat a good breakfast.
21. Splurge a little. I know you've been eyeing that thing at Target for weeks now. Maybe it's time to bring it home ;)
22. Do something for the first time.
23. Write a list of things you are grateful for.
24. Sort your closet. It might be time to donate some things and it feels pretty good to declutter.
25. Go on a hike.
26. Bake your favorite dessert.
27. Call your mom.
28. Make your bed.
29. Take a day off work.
30. Go swimming.
31. Start planning a weekend getaway.
32. Do something that gets you out of your comfort zone.
33. Get a manicure and pedicure. Or do it at home!
34. Start riding your bike again.
35. Take your mom or dad out to dinner.
36. Buy yourself some flowers.
37. Stand up for yourself.
38. If you play an instrument, have a jam session.
39. Listen to your favorite song on repeat.
40. Get outside in the sun.
41. Print off some of your favorite pictures and hang them up in your room.
42. Walk around Target with a friend.
43. Blog/Vlog.
44. Clean Clean Clean.
45. Do some planting!
46. Get some glow in the dark stars for your room ($3 at Walmart!)
47. Drop a commitment if you're schedule is just too much. (Trust me, it's hard to get yourself to do this one but once you do you'll feel so relieved)
48. Do a puzzle.
49. Clean your inbox.
50. Write letters and send them to your friends!
51. Learn to say no.
52. Take time out of your day to watch a sunset.
53. Get a haircut.
54. Try out some new makeup.
55. Learn how to crochet/knit.
56. Color!
57. Hang out at the library or a bookstore.
58. Sit in a hammock.
59. Go to the gym.
60. Pet dogs at the pet store or local shelter.
