With the rest of an uncertain semester ahead, it is important to take care of yourself. Making time for yourself this semester is not an easy task, I sure know I have been having a lot of trouble. Here are five tips to help you get through the rest of the semester with your mental health in mind. After all, there is no way that you can be successful in classes if you are not taking care of yourself first.
- Rest Up
-
Even with a million assignments, it is important that you get some rest. Setting a regular sleep schedule ensures that you go to bed at a reasonable time each night. When working through assignments, try to get as much as you can do during the day so that you are not up until the last minute the night it is due.
- Rethink Your Schedule
-
Work, school, spending time with family and friends; it can all get busy very quickly. Now that we are halfway through the semester, it is the perfect time to reflect and rethink your schedule. Take a look at where your commitments lie and how you may be able to cut back in order to allow more time to take care of yourself.
- Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Extensions
-
Something that may not seem as easy to do is ask for extensions. It is normal to have a lot of assignments with common due dates this time of year, and it may be helpful to get a few more days on some assignments to ensure the best possible grade. Before asking for extensions, make sure you check with your professors’ policies as different professors have different requirements for extensions.
- Spend Time with Friends
-
It is important not to get so caught up in school and work that you forget to spend time with friends. Before it gets too cold outside, you can definitely eat a socially distanced meal outdoors with friends. If your friends are in different parts of the world, pick up the phone and give them a call or use fun apps like FaceTime, Zoom, or Houseparty! There is no better surprise than a call from a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. With games like Among Us, it is easier than ever to hang out with your friends and have some fun without even seeing them face to face, so show up in your pajamas and have some fun!
- Get Outside
-
The weather is getting colder, but there is still time to spend some time in nature. There is no better way to take a break than taking a walk, resting in a hammock, or just drawing with chalk. With a myriad of ways to spend time outdoors, there’s definitely a way for you to take care of yourself while spending time in nature!
In the midst of a pandemic, grades are not the most important thing as we are nearing the end of the semester. It is important to take some time to check in with yourself and focus on your mental health above everything else.
Photo Credit: Her Campus Media Library