It’s hard to explain what self love and self care is to someone else. The problem is that self care is very personal and unique to the individual. There is no single cure that will help everyone recover from a stressful week, or a life changing experience. That doesn’t mean we should just ignore it either. Knowing when you need to take care of yourself and put yourself first is a big part of it. Even though Mental Health Awareness month is in May, we should promote mental health and self love every month. I decided to make a list of things that help me when I am feeling overwhelmed, or in need of a pick me up as a reminder for myself and maybe advice for other students who might be in the same situation.
- All the literal self-love activities:
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After a long week of classes, maybe you need to put on an oatmeal face mask, take a long hot bath and paint your nails. A spa day probably won’t fix all of your problems, but it definitely doesn’t hurt either.
- Clean and organize your room:
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Whenever my room is a mess, I cannot focus. I cannot study and I cannot truly relax in peace. Cleaning my room, doing my laundry, making my bed, and re-organizing my closet gives me this inner peace that I just can’t explain.
- Make a spotify playlist:
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Look for new songs that you fit your mood. Music is everything to me. I need music to study, before going to bed, while doing homework, in the car and in the shower. I am constantly searching for new music and new styles of music. Whenever I am in a bad mood, music always lifts my spirits.
- Journal or read a book:
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Nowadays our minds are constantly flooded by social media, Netflix and technology. It is rare that we take a moment to read a book or write down how we are feeling. I don’t get that much time to journal, but when I do it’s nice to just take a moment and write whatever you want. I think it’s healthier than gossiping to your friends, especially if it’s about someone or something. I don’t like to talk about other people, so writing is a better option.
- Talk to your family:
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The first person I talk to when I have a problem is my mom or my sister. They always seem to have the answer. Even if they don’t, it’s nice to rant to them because they will always keep it real with you no matter what.
- Cooking
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For me, sometimes a nice home cooked meal is necessary after eating a lot of junk food on campus. Or maybe its going out to dinner with your friends and catching up.
- Take a trip to see the sunset
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Whenever I am stressed, I always find my peace in nature. Luckily on Long Island, the beach is only about a 15 minute drive from campus.
Maybe self care is making time to do nothing but lay in your bed, recharge and, scroll through instagram. Plan that time of the week if it’s what you need. For me it’s usually Friday night after a long week. Have a chill night, get food, and binge watch TV. Do whatever you need to keep a balance in your life and de-stress from school. There is no wrong or right way to take care of your body and mind.