Hey you! Yes you, reading this article at this very moment. If you’re seeing this right now, you deserve to feel loved by others, but most importantly by yourself. Especially in college, it’s easy to get wrapped up in social media, school work, relationships, and drama. However, it’s crucial to take that alone time and show yourself some love on a daily basis. Here are a few things that you can do as a busy college student to practice self love:
- Nourish Your Body
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As a college student, it’s so easy to get caught up in classes and eat your first meal late in the day. With all of the rigorous classes and extracurriculars students participate in, you need to correctly fuel your body. Make sure you’re listening to what your body needs to keep your energy up throughout the day! My favorite quick snacks are clif bars, cheese sticks and almond crackers, peanut butter on a banana, and dark chocolate.
- Get Active
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When it’s winter and the temperatures hit below 30 degrees, the last thing you want to do is walk all the way to the gym… especially when the wind is slapping your face and the temperature drops below zero. If this is the case, try to catch one of the wellness cruisers! They run Monday through Friday when classes are in session and have stops along the hill and at the gym. It’s scientifically proven that exercising improves your mood and provides a natural energy boost. My favorite ways to workout include incline walking on the treadmill or participating in one of the group fitness classes, such as yoga, pilates, or jump roping!
- Take a Trip Into Town
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If you want a break from campus, take a cruiser into town and treat yourself to one of Hamilton’s several restaurants. When it’s warmer out, I suggest listening to a podcast and walking down the hill into town for coffee or lunch. Whether you grab a latte from Fojo Beans, a bagel from Flour and Salt (I recommend the “Maple My Day”), or Chicken Tikka Masala from Royal Indian Grill, you will kill two birds with one stone by supporting a small business and getting a delicious meal at the same time.
- Listen to a Podcast
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I just started listening to podcasts this summer before I made the transition from high school to college. My favorite podcast to listen to is “Anything Goes” by Emma Chamberlain. There is an episode for just about every mood you could be in, but my favorite episodes are her advice sessions. Fans tweet her questions and she goes through them and gives her advice on certain dilemmas. You can be sure that you’ll relate to some aspect of each episode, and Emma’s witty and personable delivery is why it’s my go-to self care activity.
- Celebrate The Little Things
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With the quick pace of college, it’s easy to fall into the trap of going through the motions and not acknowledging how well you’re doing. Life can be difficult, especially in this time in your life where the future is constantly looming over your head. Make sure you’re celebrating the little victories and not being so hard on yourself. For me, this means having a gratitude journal. I got one from Papier for Christmas and have been dedicated to writing in it each day. Every morning, I write 3 things I’m looking forward to that day, and at the end of the day, I write 3 things I’m grateful for. This allows me to ground myself and focus on the good in my life, big or small.
Even if you didn’t have a Valentine this year, that doesn’t mean you’re hard to love. You are valued and loved by so many people, and you deserve the love you give to other people. Don’t forget to be extra kind to yourself, no matter what that means for you.