As we inch nearer and nearer to winter break, I urge everyone to focus on themselves and their well-being. As college students, we have finally come close to the end of the first semester and soon enough we will be able to enjoy the holiday season and relax. Because we will be home for a longer period of time than normal, it is even more important for each of us to look out for one another and focus on our mental health. Self-care is something that I am very passionate about! I’d like to share a few tips with you all about how to take care of your physical and mental well-being.
- Face masks!
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Planning one night a week to do a face mask is not only great for your pores and skin in general, but it also elevates your mood. By blasting some music and taking some silly selfies, you can turn an otherwise stressful night into a relaxing time. I would recommend doing a face mask right before you go to bed, preferably on Sunday night, just so that you go to bed satisfied and ready to start the week. ‘Sunday scaries’ really make the week ahead seem daunting, but I truly believe that a face mask can help ease the stress. My favorite mask as of right now is the Shea Moisture Clarifying Mud Mask. It has such a relaxing scent and texture and really exfoliates my skin, making my face brighter and clearer.
- Shower jams!
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Whenever I’m stressed, I know that listening to music always calms me down. Now that the weather is getting a little chilly, a relaxing, warm shower can really help the day feel less daunting. To make the shower even more enjoyable, listening to some of your favorite music can definitely help take the worries away. It’s important for you to take some time in the day to stop thinking about everything and to just relax. I can promise you that taking a warm shower while listening to your favorite tunes is always a mood booster. The best thing is that you can do this anytime! Whether you plan to do this first thing in the morning or in the middle of the night, you’re bound to come out feeling more refreshed.
- Nails!
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Let’s face it, some of us don’t really pay attention to how our nails look until it’s too late. Whether you want to do your fingernails, toenails, or both, this activity is so great and relaxing and can leave your nails looking healthy and fun. By cleaning the cuticles and then applying nail polish, your nails are bound to look healthier and you can feel proud of your own work. When I was younger, I always enjoyed painting my nails and coming up with fun designs to apply to them. As I got older, I realized that both taking care of my nails and painting them made me happier and more relaxed on any day, regardless of how stressed I was.
- Journaling!
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Journaling is known to be good for the soul and is a perfect example of self-care. By journaling, you can clearly express how you feel and rant about life using the power of words. Especially for those going through a difficult time, journaling can bring a sense of comfort and control. Although journaling doesn’t automatically take away every single problem, it’s a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Sometimes journaling is great even when you’ve had a great week and want to remember the moments!