It’s that bittersweet time of year again. Unfortunately, a beautiful summer is coming to a close, but we’re also being greeted with the promise of a brand new school year. Admittedly, some people may think that this time of year is nothing but bitter, but I can see the sweetness in it for the first time in a long time.
Even though the start of the fall semester may be exciting, it’s also undoubtedly stressful. We have to get used to balancing the pressure of schoolwork, a job, and a social life. We’re also adjusting to a new routine and some of us are preparing to move back into the dorms and away from your family. Adapting to all of these changes after having an amazing summer is not an easy process, so it’s important not to forget to take care of yourself.
I know how difficult it can be to take a breath and focus on yourself, especially if you’re a people pleaser like myself. You don’t want to let anyone down and this pressure can nearly suffocate you. Newsflash: it’s hard enough to give 100% to everyone, but it’s impossible to do so if you don’t take care of yourself too.
The first step of self-care is understanding that it’s okay, and even necessary, to be selfish. Once you admit this to yourself, you just have to figure out what self-care looks like to you.
This self-care that I’m talking about will look different depending on who you are and what you enjoy doing. Personally, I’m an introvert who loves spending time with her family, reading, and watching Netflix. For me, being social is fun in small doses, but it’s also extremely draining, so my self-care won’t include a great deal of socializing. After a long day of work and school, my “me” time will most likely consist of taking a nap and watching TV at my parent’s house because that’s where I’m most comfortable.
Your version of self-care may not look anything like mine. For example, if you’re an extrovert, you might feel most relaxed when you’re getting a cup of coffee with your friends after a long and exhausting day. You might also wind down by going for a run or spending a night out on the town, dancing your worries away. Ultimately, there is no wrong way to take care of yourself, even though others might not understand your unique form of self-care.
Of course, self-care is important all the time, but it’s particularly vital during this transition into the next school year. The change in routine in addition to the more hefty workload will weigh you down if you don’t take time for yourself. If you let the stress of a new school year crush you because you’re trying to give your all to everything, you won’t be able to give your all to anything. In order to be the best possible version of yourself, it is absolutely essential that you find ways to improve and maintain your mental and physical health.
This time of year may feel overwhelming, even if you’re taking the time to care for yourself. If this happens, remember that countless other people are in the same boat, so don’t be afraid to reach out. You can do this by talking to a friend, parent, teacher, or anyone that you feel comfortable with. In addition to these resources, don’t forget that you always have your campus counseling services at your disposal. Self-care is a crucial part of getting through this transition as smoothly as possible, but if that isn’t enough, remember that there is no shame in asking for help.
