Self-care is extremely important in helping you to feel more balanced and to allow for higher levels of relaxation and productivity in your everyday life. It’s essential that you’re able to tend to your own needs so that you can be better at tending to those of others. Here are 10 important tips to follow if you ever feel unmotivated, exhausted, or just need to take time to take care of yourself.
- Organize Your Space
-
I definitely feel more productive when I’m working in a clean space. Organize and clean your desk, closet, room, and any other place you can think of. It’ll help to brighten your mood knowing that you are working in a clean environment.
- Get Enough Sleep
-
Even though sometimes it’s inevitable that you’ll have to complete a last-minute assignment or need a late-night cram session to study for an exam, you should always try to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep on most nights. Healthy adults should be getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. ResMed, a medical company that deals with sleep treatment states that sleep “heals damaged cells, boosts your immune system, and recharges your heart and cardiovascular system for the next day.”
- Watch Your Favorite Movie or TV Show
-
It’s important to de-stress yourself with something you know that will give you some sort of enjoyment. It’s essential that you take the time to sit on the couch and relax while watching your favorite program, whether it’s a new movie or a sitcom that you love.
- Keep in Contact with Your Friends & Family from Home
-
It’s easy to get carried away with your busy schedule at school, but remember that it’s important to keep in contact with those back at home. It can brighten your day, and theirs, to just have a conversation and catch up with each other on what’s been going on in both of your lives.
- Read
-
We spend so much time on our phones that we need to have a break once in a while. You should try to read a book or magazine before bed instead of scrolling through Instagram!
- Go For a Walk
-
You don’t have to do any strenuous exercise — just take a walk! Walks be beneficial in clearing your mind and helping you to enjoy the present moment.
- Write Down a List of Things You’re Thankful For
-
Sometimes it can be so easy to think of all the things that you don’t have, but it’s essential to remind yourself of all the things that you do. Write down all of the things that you’re grateful for on a piece of paper. It can be little things such as talking to your parents, laughing with your friends, and attending school. You’ll realize that you might be taking things for granted that other people desperately wish they had.
- Listen to Your Favorite Music
-
Sometimes all you need to hear is your favorite artist singing your favorite song. Try to listen to calming, or even upbeat music that will brighten your mood. You should make a playlist of your favorite songs so you have them ready to go!
- Take Time for Your Hobbies
-
This can be whatever you truly enjoy doing: writing, singing, dancing, etc. Taking time to focus on your hobbies and/or interests will provide you enjoyment and give you a break from other tasks that you have to do during the day.
- Start Your Day Off Right
-
Starting your day off right can mean anything, all depending on what makes you smile. It can be something as small as starting your day with a coffee, listening to a podcast, or taking at least 5 minutes to just rest before getting out of bed. Establishing morning rituals can make you more motivated to start the day and get you excited for the rest of it.