A wise man once told me, “You need to slow down; you don’t know how to take care of yourself.” Well, the truth is, at the time, I didn’t know how to take care of myself. In this sense, I mean that I didn’t know how to slow down and take even 15 minutes out of my day to do something good for myself. At the time, I didn’t see a need to do this. My thought process was, “I don’t have time!!” I was so busy that I was literally making myself burn out sooner rather than later. When I actually started to take some “me” time, I admit that I not only felt better, but my thinking was a lot clearer. Now, amongst all the responsibility of juggling classes, work, social events, and our personal lives, I have discovered a few techniques on how to put some “me” time on my own priority list.

1. Know that you deserve some time to yourself.

This was a hard one for me to practice. I truly felt that if I wasn’t busy to the point that made head hurt, then I wasn’t busy enough. On a personal note, I am not this way anymore. I had to believe that I deserved some time to myself. If you don’t believe you, above anyone else, deserve some “me” time, then you won’t actually make time for it in your day. I actually like to schedule when I am going to have some “me” time. It’s just easier for me to see it in my calendar. I am able to reflect on my day and write out and express my feelings. Speaking of writing…

2. Write in your journal.

Now, I know that writing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But I have found that it is very different thinking about an idea or thought and actually seeing it on paper. Whenever I write in a journal or notebook, once I have expressed my thoughts about how my day went and what happened during that day, I feel like it’s a release of some kind. As I write my thoughts out, it’s as if I am also letting that day go. That day is fully completed and I’m hoping to do better the next day. Now, if writing is not your thing, you can always make a video journal. If it’s any consolation, Beyonce herself admitted to making video journaling a habit of hers and well, she’s Beyonce.

3. Get a healthy amount of sleep.

Now, I know you are probably thinking, “Really?” Trust me, as a graduating senior, I know that this can be very tough to do. I know all about the necessary all-nighters in order to get your homework done, but a healthy amount of sleep is still important. Research has shown that when you make a commitment to get a healthy amount of sleep, you wake up feeling rested, your mind is clear, and you have more energy! I have found over the past couple of months that if I at least try to go to bed before midnight, I felt rested the next day and I actually wanted to get productive things done. I would try setting an alarm; it works for me. Also, try to pick an alarm song that you KNOW will wake you up. I will be honest: my alarm song is “Circle of Life’, and no, not the Elton John version, but the version from the very beginning of the Lion King. You really can’t miss it! Think of it this way: the more productive things you check off your list, the more time you could have to catch up on your favorite show on Netflix!

I am not some all-knowing senior. However, I do know about already having a lot of things on your plate and then just adding more and more. I had to learn how to take time for myself.

Remember: This is a process! It will not happen overnight! I hope some of these techniques help you in times when you are really stressed out. Remember: Even 10 to 15 minutes every other day is a good start, and don’t forget to do what is best for you. You deserve it!