In today’s hectic world, it can be easy to lose yourself. Between constantly checking emails, keeping up on grades, earning money, all while trying to network, it’s easy to lose focus on who you are as an individual. Often times, we run ourselves to the point of exhaustion where something as simple as picking out a nice outfit for the following day becomes more of a chore rather than a choice. When we really need to stop and take care of ourselves, we tend to feel guilty about it. Yes, family and friends are important, but personal time is just as precious, not only for our physical health, but also for our mental health.
Taking time to remember who you are and letting your mind be at ease can be crucial. How many people can say they remember the last time they took a day (or even as much as a couple hours) to do something they loved, just because? I’m sure there aren’t many. With the constant pressure to do more and more and never knowing how to say "no" without a fear of repercussions, we often slip into a routine that we never planned on. Making time for what you love is imperative, whether it is reading a book, painting, riding a bike, or even just jamming out to your favorite music on a long drive to nowhere. Not only do these things relax us physically, they also help our brains wind down as well.
Although mental health has become a matter that is overlooked by most, it should never be disregarded or forgotten. Our mental health plays part in who we are; it’s what keeps us functioning. People never realize how easily this can be affected. Ever wake up in the morning and throw those sweat pants on and then a few hours later wonder why you left the house like that? Self-confidence plays a huge part of mental health, and what plays a huge part in self-confidence? Caring for our own needs as individuals. Despite the popular misconception, there is nothing wrong with saying "no" every once in a while. We as a society, especially college students, have become numb to the fact we have that right. We’re taught that in order to be successful you must be constantly involved, whether it’s in person or on social media. What some do not realize is that disconnection has its perks. It gives the brain time to form its own thoughts and to make its own judgments without the voices of others.
Breaking this cycle is a lesson that should be learned at a young age. Caring for ourselves never ends. We have to do it until we are no longer here. Wearing ourselves out too early can have devastating circumstances on us as adults, and eventually it will begin to affect all areas of our lives. Start taking a couple hours out of your week and do something that makes you smile, inside and out. Get a haircut, play with your dog, read a good book, or even better, try something totally new! Finding new hobbies can be rewarding. You may find something new that will make you happy, and it could lead to new opportunities or new friends. Or, you may even discover something about yourself you never knew before. Most importantly, it takes your brain off of your daily worries.
