The end of spring semester is rapidly approaching and with it comes a strong sense of urgency for most college students. I’m sure we have all experienced the same feelings of dread when it comes to the endless deadlines and tests that appear suddenly. The resulting stress of finals season can quickly lead into a horrible spiral of self-doubt, exhaustion and burnout. These emotions may all seem like a part of the package when it comes to higher education, but it is possible to combat these emotions.
The most important lesson I have learned this semester is that when stress increases, self-care has to increase as well. While it is easier said than done, the payoff of additional self-care is that it can prolong your ability to work without experiencing as much burnout. Though self-care is often seen as an intense multi-step routine that takes up a lot of time, it can also be simplified down to more efficient, daily habits. This sustainable approach to self-care has countless benefits and can easily be added into any routine!
Here are some simple ways to incorporate self-care during a busy period:
- Eat well-balanced meals
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Self-care can be as simple as building a healthy plate of food at each meal. On a busy day, it can sometimes feel like food is less important so we either skip meals or turn to a quick, less nourishing option. Having a balanced meal at least three times a day helps provide fuel for your body and mind, which allows you to keep working towards deadlines (and feel good while doing it).
- prioritize sleep
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“Revenge procrastination” is the idea of staying up late to reclaim personal time after a busy day. This may seem like a gratifying option in the moment, but it is almost always better to get an extra hour of sleep instead. Having a well-rested mind may even allow you to work more efficiently and have more free time during the day!
- maintain a social life
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All work and no play leads to a dull and unfulfilling life. Though challenging, it is possible to maintain a healthy social life during a busy period. I am a firm believer in breaks and find that spending time with people I love is more fulfilling and motivating than spending time scrolling through social media. Study dates, mental health walks and a relaxing yoga class are all fun ways to incorporate friendship into self-care!
- don’t put too much pressure on yourself
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Ultimately, we are all humans that have a complex set of abilities. It is unrealistic to expect yourself to perform perfectly under pressure and accepting that imperfection is essential in preserving self-worth. Everyone’s best work looks different on a daily basis, and trying your best is enough. Positive self-talk coincides directly with self-care and gives a strong sense of assurance regardless of what external forces, like a grade, might say. Trust yourself and everything will fall into place!
I encourage everyone to find small ways to care for themselves over the next few weeks, whatever that may look like. These self-care steps have enhanced my life during periods of stress and I hope that they will help you too!