With today’s youth enduring stress levels greater than that of the Great Depression, l ack of time has become the number one excuse to neglect mind, body, and soul. I myself am no different from the average collegiate population. With that I constantly struggle to balance my duties and my own health. I’m here to attest, however, that it can be done, with little acts throughout the day. Here are some self care tips for the person on the go!
1. Put lotion on every day:
While this may seem stupid and small, it really does go a long way. Firstly, no one likes feeling like an alligator. Also, putting on lotion gives you the opportunity to physically check in with yourself. How are you feeling? How is your body doing? Beyond a physical check in putting on lotion not only allows your skin to feel incredible, but you glisten like the god or goddess you are meant to be.
2. Invest in a signature scent:
I’m pretty sure it is universally recognized that when you smell good, you become increasingly more attractive. Besides, being told that you smell good can make a worlds of difference in your day. Any scent, let alone a signature scent shows the rest of the world that you have your shit together, and you care about your personal hygiene. It’s also a good chance to spoil yourself everyday.
3. Keep your favorite snack on hand:
Don’t get me wrong, I think eating healthy is incredibly important, and can actually go a long way in improving your health in every facet of life. You deserve to treat yourself every now and then. This does require a bit of self control, because you can’t just gorge yourself on your favorite treat all of the time. However, it is important to have that little burst of joy. I like to keep pumpkin chocolate chip cookies or blood oranges on hand when they’re in season. Throughout the rest of the year you can catch me nibbling on chocolate covered espresso beans, they’re perfect burst of energy and pure joy in one bite.
4. Take time to drink your coffee:
I understand that this is a list especially designed for the busy youth of today. So, I’m not saying that every coffee you drink needs to be a 30 min ordeal in your favorite coffee shop. I am, howeverr, ecommending that you take at least one sip real slow. Let yourself really enjoy the drink you just made/bought. This is also another really good chance to check in with yourself, and just take a quick breath.
5. Underwear go a long way….
There are few feelings in the world that make me feel more put together then when I wear a matching bra and underwear set. Granted, I understand not everyone gets to experience that exact feeling. Nonetheless a good pair of underwear really do go a long way in regards to the way you carry yourself. There is nothing more powerful than a person who is confident in themselves. And, believe it or not, a good pair of underwear really can change your confidence. It’s also just a fun little secret to have. Pro tip Calvin Klein underwear are 100% worth the purchase and honestly are some of the most comfortable undergarments you will ever own.
6. Take any chance you can get to listen to your favorite music/podcast/audio book:
Whether you’re walking home from class, driving home, or riding public transport. Take the chance to chill out, and listen to that which makes you happiest. The actual science behind how music affects your mood is truly outstanding. Personally, I will welcome any audio break from the yammering of the outside world and media. Music, podcasts, and audio books are a good chance to place yourself into your own personal bubble, and shut out the rest of the world.
7. Candles, candles, and more candles:
Humans are incredibly scent oriented beings, and are arguably one of our most powerful senses. So, naturally, a good candle can instantly change your mood. If you want to be extra like me, place a different scent in each section of your house to inspire a different mood. Pro tip: make sure the candles in your room the scents that are incredibly grounding and soothing. If you’re an avid candle user, I would recommend investing in a candle warmer to ensure you’re not wasting one bit of your candle.
8. Keep in touch with the people you care about most:
While this may seem kind of obvious, the people who care about you most can easily detect microscopic changes in your personality. Keeping in touch with the people you care about most and who care about you may give you a secondary reminder to just take a second. Often times others will realize something is wrong with you before you even do. Beyond that, it’s good to have an A team that you know will encourage you when you need it most.
9. Laugh:
This one is both the easiest and the hardest on the list. The actual act of laughing is quite easy, however finding the opportunity to laugh can be quite difficult at times. I’m not saying this is something you must do everyday. That’s simply not feasible. Revel in the times you do get the opportunity to laugh though. Laughing truly changes your brain chemistry, and can be such an incredible mood booster. Just remind yourself that you don’t have to be a cynic all the time.
10. Stop and smell the roses:
Alright, this one is two fold. One, not all of us are lucky enough to have the perfect relationship and have a partner who buys us flowers when we’re having a bad day. So take the chance to do it for yourself every now and again. Assuming, that is, if you actually like flowers. If you don’t, this is where part two comes in handy. Just breathe. Stop, take a second for yourself and breathe. As stupid as it might sound in such a chaotic world it’s hard to stay grounded. Really, take a second to do the most basic of human instincts. You deserve it, boo.
I hope that these tips and tricks help. If anything I hope the reminded everyone that you deserve to be taken care of. There is no harm in being slightly selfish and putting yourself every now and then. Remember, being busy is not an excuse to not take care of yourself.