The dreaded time span between the end of spring break and the beginning of finals can be grueling for anyone. The teachers expect high-quality work, but often we find ourselves burned out. In these times, it is crucial to listen to your body and practice self-care. While it’s always nice to do a face mask and soak in a candle-lit tub, that’s not always what self-care is about. Here’s a list of practical self-care tactics that I use.
1. Chores
Do any little thing around your apartment that you’ve been putting off due to exhaustion. The goal is to get your body moving, and once the task is completed, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment.
2. Creativity
When I’m really stressed, I feel trapped in my emotions. Using a creative outlet, whether it’s painting, photography, or writing can help you freely express yourself. This technique will also take your mind off your current situation.
3. Get Out
When you’ve been in your room for a few hours doing homework or other chores around the apartment, it’s natural to feel suffocated. During these times, get out of your apartment and grab a coffee at Starbucks or just take a drive through the city. Changing your surroundings will help to change your perspective.
4. Fresh Air
The last thing people want to do when they feel down in the dumps is physical activity. I don’t even consider this option on most bad days. Being around nature clears your head and allows you to see things from new angles.
5. Friends
Your anxiety might tell you that you’re being a bother to your friends, but that is simply not the case. A friend is there for the laughs, but also for the days when you feel like giving up. Also, notice how I didn’t mention texting a friend because in heated moments, you need to be able to speak to someone without interruptions.
6. Social Media Hiatus
It’s always hard to delete social media apps that you instinctively pick up the phone to check. But when you’re not in the best headspace, seeing polished pictures of other people’s lives doesn’t help. Try to remember that on social media, people only tend to show the highlight reel of their life.
7. To-Do Lists
For me, I get most anxious when I think about all the things I have to do and how I don’t have the time to do any of them. Making a to-do list is a concrete plan that makes everything more manageable. Plus, there’s a good feeling that comes with checking something off a list.
8. Cards
Now, I know this might sound cheesy, but writing cards to yourself to open for later is a good way to get yourself out of a bad mood. In the midst of your worst days, it’s hard to recall happy moments, but the self-addressed card reminds you of those feelings. These cards can help you see that better days are to come, even if you’re not feeling that great right now.
9. Chores
Doing something for someone else is a good way to escape your own thoughts. Lending a helping hand for a good cause or even telling someone they’re beautiful on the street will in turn give you a boost of confidence that you made someone else’s day.
10. Grades Don’t Define You
It’s sometimes really hard to remember this. During this time of year, it’s easy to get caught up with finals looming in the near future or your end-of-the-semester GPA. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s okay to take time for yourself.