Does midterm season have you studying for 12 hours at the library without a break? If so, look no further than these simple self-care tips to make sure you are taking care of your mental health so you don’t burn out. We are all rooting for you during these times! The key to keep yourself in check is scheduling time for yourself!
- Scheduling breaks for yourself.
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I get it, you have to go over so much material during such a short amount of time. But breaks are essential for both your brain and you as a student to give yourself the rest you deserve. Just as you schedule a time to watch The Bachelor on Monday nights, for every hour of studying, schedule 15 minutes for a break. That way you can get a snack, maybe stand up and walk to the water fountain, or just look outside the window and enjoy your studying view. This is your “me time” to focus on something else other than your work.
- Sleep!
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As common as this may sound, sleeping is key to making sure you and your hardworking brain are getting enough hours of rest. My sleeping routine consists of first setting my phone’s bedtime hours from 11 pm to 7 am; this tints your phone screen so no notifications will show and you’ll have a night of uninterrupted sleep. I also put my phone in Do Not Disturb, meaning any calls or messages won’t notify me.
- Keep yourself hydrated and stacked with many snacks.
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Since you may be studying for hours on end, it’s proactive to bring along some snacks to keep yourself full until your next meal. My favorite snacks are almonds, some dried food, Chobani Yogurt Flips (Almond Loco), and I stay hydrated with my all-time favorite Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Refresher!
- It’s OKAY to take NAPS!
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One evening after eating lunch, I went to study at the library. I kept dazing off and realized that was my body telling me that it needs a relaxing break. So, I took myself back to my dorm and took a one-hour power nap. And let me tell you, after the nap, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to continue doing my work. Taking a nap is beneficial to your health as you are giving your body the chance to recharge for your long day ahead, especially if you are staying up late.
- Treat yourself!
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This can be as simple as painting your nails a new color, buying yourself your favorite snacks, or taking a warm bath as long as you tune out the rest of the world for a little bit. Maybe go out with your friend to that ice cream place you’ve been thinking about, chat up a conversation about the weather or reorganize your dorm. Whatever it may be, do it as long you are putting yourself and mental health first!
Overall, I understand this may be a stressful time during your college career, and giving yourself time for you will help you learn how to recharge when you enter other stressful situations in the future. We are all rooting for you! At the end of the day, what matters is that you try your best.
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