Self-care should be an essential part of everyone’s routine, but it is essential for busy college students. Whether you are balancing work with class, class with rigorous sports schedules, or clubs and organizations, you must take a step back to take care of yourself. With finals approaching and the Christmas season, I thought it was the perfect time to share some of my favorite self-care activities. You can put some of these practices into use right now, and put some of these items on your Christmas list!
My top self-care activity that never fails to make me feel better is a nice hot shower with a shower steamer. Shower steamers come in all different scents, and my favorite to help me relax is lavender. There’s something about putting fun music on and a shower steamer in the shower and forgetting about other responsibilities for a little while that always leaves me feeling refreshed. I have found great shower steamers at Target and on Amazon! If I have time, I will follow up a relaxing shower with a face mask. Face masks leave your skin feeling amazing, and can be a cheap and effective way to relax. While they are on your face, you can take a moment to decompress and read a book or scroll on your phone. I have tried a lot of different ones, and my favorite are the Loops brand face masks at Target.Â
Another self-care activity that doesn’t let me down is cleaning and organizing a space in my room. For me, when I get stressed out or overwhelmed with life, I tend to let my room go. After a while, I find that the clutter just adds to my stress. Taking even just a few minutes to clean up and organize a section of my room makes a big difference. Cleaning is self-care because it is a mindful activity that reduces stress and boosts feelings of accomplishment. This, in turn, leads to better focus and a more peaceful, healthier space to live. This is also a great free option for self-care, and if your room isn’t in need of cleaning, I’m sure your closet, car, or purse could benefit!
One more self-care activity that really helps me is taking a nap! This one might sound silly, but according to the American Heart Association, it’s a great way to recharge your brain and body, reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance focus. Essentially, you are giving your mental and physical health a vital reset without relying on caffeine. I know for me, I am relying on caffeine probably too much during school, like most students. Naps are often thought of as being lazy, but when done in moderation, they can be very effective. This is also another great free self-care option; the hardest part is shutting your phone off for 20-30 minutes to make sure you are actually sleeping!
In a world that constantly demands our attention, self-care is a necessity. Taking time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with yourself supports mental and physical health and strengthens your ability to show up fully in every part of your life. Whether it’s taking a relaxing shower, organizing a messy space in your life, or taking a well-deserved nap, self-care is essential for your well-being.