Dedicating time to self care is so vital to remaining stable while life spins around us. Unfortunately, today’s culture doesn’t permit nearly enough time for us to do this, thus we’re usually left anxious and irritable. Not only is this poor for your mental and emotional wellbeing, but lack of relaxation and heightened anxious feelings have grave effects on your physical health, as well. Participating in acts of self care, even just a little at a time, will absolutely ease any built-up tension and will ultimately give you the opportunity to approach the next task with confidence that you can get it done. (You’ll also be so much happier, and who doesn’t want that?!)

Here are five ways to be kind to your body and mind during the first weeks of the fall semester (or any time really):

Read a book. But put down the textbook. The stress of students and young adults typically results from an overload of studying and work. Sadly, we often forget the pleasures of curling up in our favorite sweatpants with a warm cup of tea and good book. Don’t be ashamed to stay in, brew a pot of comforting tea and spend the night with your favorite author.

1. DIY mani/pedi. Nothing heightens my study stress more than when I look down at the keyboard after hours of typing and my manicure (or lack there of) is absolutely shameful. Materialistic as it may seem, having my nails shiny and pink actually makes me a little more eager to finish outlining the next chapter in the textbook. Don’t be afraid to splurge on nice nail care products and a super smooth, moisturizing hand cream to really bring the experience full-circle! I always start my manicures with a thin layer of Sally Hansen’s Double Duty base and top coat before expressing my mood using one of Essie’s vibrant polishes. My favorites are shades of pink, of course, and are called “Fiji” and “Madison Ave-hue.” Finish it off with the fast drying Gel Finish top coat, also made by Essie, to make that $5 manicure look like you paid $30!

2. Go for a walk. The end of summer can be really hot and humid, especially in the final weeks of August. As September nears, the nights begin to cool even as the daylight begins to fade sooner than the days before. This time of day is a perfect time to go for a refreshing walk following a tiring day of class and work. Feel free to bring along your headphones and your favorite chill playlist or just walk and enjoy the natural sounds surrounding you. There’s no need to feel that you need to be going fast enough to consider it a “workout.” Be kind to your body and allow yourself that little bit of time to relax. Feel free to stroll and enjoy the views with little distraction. You won’t feel as drained as you might when walking in broad daylight, and the fresh air will leave you feeling rejuvenated and (hopefully) more motivated to go back and study before going to hang out in your best friend’s dorm and binge watch Friends.

3. Journal. After spending so much time staring at you phone or computer, it’s very important to give your eyes and your mind a rest from the screen. There are so many benefits to journaling, but so many people avoid it like the plague! Typically, it’s because they feel like they “don’t know how” or “aren’t good at it.” What they fail to realize is that there is no one way to journal, rather it’s a style that will develop and change just as life does. Find a journal with a cover and pages that reflect who you are and feel free to decorate it! Fill it up with the best (and sometimes the worst) parts of your day, knowing that your favorite memories will be kept in a safe place and the other ones will be off your mind and out of sight once you close the cover. (P.S. Journaling isn’t just for the ladies! Guys can do it, too, and should not be ashamed.)

4. Watch your favorite childhood movie. There’s something very comforting in watching my favorite movie from when I was little. I know that any time I’m having a bad or stressful day I can turn on Beauty and the Beast or The Polar Express and I will instantly feel better. I hope that this could be a quick fix for anyone. I know it can’t solve the stresses of the end of the summer and the approach of a new semester, but it can take your mind off of whatever is weighing you down. Also, it prompts making popcorn and wearing sweatpants, so how can you say no?

I hope the fall semester doesn’t bring too many summertime blues and that the transition is easy enough to keep you motivated to start and end fall 2016 strong! Whenever you’re feeling stressed or a little blue, remember that it’s okay to feel those feelings and vulnerability is amazing to master, but at some point, you should indulge in some self care and allow yourself to let those feelings go.