By: Kelly Skjerven
As university students, it’s fair to say that we are extremely busy. Not only do we have essays to write and midterms to study for, but we also have a social life outside of school. We have friends and family to keep in touch with, bills to pay—the list goes on.
But when do we really take the time to take a moment and just focus on ourselves? It’s not a selfish thing to do—self-care is essential to keeping a healthy balance in our lives.
It’s important to note that by taking a moment from your daily routine and taking time to focus on yourself is not quitting. Just because you only wrote 100 words for your essay and decided to shut it down and have a hot shower instead does not mean you are abandoning your immediate task. You are merely taking a rest. So next time you decide to take a break, do not think of it as giving up. Think of it as taking time to rest, to recharge, so you can focus better.
Below are a few helpful tips and suggestions that focus on self care.
Go for a walk
Getting fresh air is really good for you, and can help you feel relaxed. It’s easy to get stressed out when were cramped up in our rooms or a busy library studying for an exam. Next time you feel anxious and you need a break step outside and go for a walk, even if it’s only around the block.
Photo courtesy Anubhav Saxena
Read for fun, not for school
Now this one is hard, believe me I know. With weekly assigned readings it’s hard to find time to read something else. For many of us Netflix is our go to as soon as we feel overwhelmed with school work. However we all know how good reading is for us, it stretches our imagination and widens our vocabulary. So next time you want to watch Netflix, try picking up a book or magazine instead.
Bake something
Aside from the messy dishes, baking is a great activity to do when you are feeling like you’ve been cramming for too long. Plus a little sugar helps too!
Social Media Detox
Disconnecting from our phones is a great way to truly recharge and relax. Studying is difficult when you have a device next to you that is so distracting. We are constantly scrolling through timelines comparing our lives to others that we end up wasting time in the process. Taking a break from social media or even your phone altogether will lead you to be more aware of your surroundings and appreciate things rather than just posting about them.
Keep a journal and each day, write one thing that you are grateful for
In our busy lives it’s common for us to take the little things for granted, but by taking the time to write out a list of things we’re grateful for we begin to really appreciate all the wonderful things life has to offer.
Photo courtesy Eepeng Cheong
These are only a number of suggestions. Self care is focusing on yourself. Therefore there may be something else you enjoy doing that helps you unwind and relax that is not listed above. Whatever that may be I encourage you to take the time and do it.