It’s that point in the semester where everyone’s stress levels are nearing 100% and all feel like we have a million things going on at once. It’s probably feeling like there isn’t enough time in a day to get everything done, especially important tasks like self care. We’ve all been there, most of us might still be there. Making sure that you’re taking care of yourself in the midst of midterm madness is important, not only for your physical and mental health, but, in my experience, for academics as well. I find that even a half hour of self care or extra sleep is better for your grades than an extra half hour of studying. That could be a hot take, I know, however when you think about it, would you rather feel just a little more well rested or tired and cranky the morning of your exam? Here are some ways I found best to slip little acts of self care into your busy study schedule:
Self care in between study sessions
Being stuck in your study spot for hours at a time can feel suffocating and super cramped. My head always hurts from staring at my computer screen and ruining my posture. Some ways to give yourself a break in between your studying is to allow yourself to have ten to fifteen minutes every hour or two and let yourself take a mental break. Get up and walk around the library or get some fresh air instead of stuffy study air. Go buy a coffee or a snack to fuel your brain for the rest of your study session. I always find that reading a few pages of a book you’re liking at the moment keeps your brain on but takes some of the pressure of needing to retain as much information as possible off. And of course there is always taking a quick phone break, which is sometimes all you have the energy for after applying yourself so hard to your work, which is perfectly fine! Whatever you can come up with to let yourself have a minute to center yourself and do something nice for yourself and not for your academics is perfect.
Allow yourself some peace before bed
If you are really locked in while deep into studying and feel like a break might throw you off, there are other ways to get the self care that you need. After you decide that it may be time to call it a night, you may find a shower can clear your mind and relax your body. Give yourself extra time in there and let the water hit your face while you listen to your favorite playlist. Whether it’s a super sad or a hype playlist, create your own little world and escape the world of academics for a few minutes. If long steaming showers aren’t your thing, maybe try some kind of skin care before you hit the hay. Try a face mask, there are many different kinds; from sheet masks to peel off masks, there is one out there that will help you relax. Pop on your face mask and while you’re waiting for it to come off, read a book or watch some of your favorite shows on Netflix. There are also many other skincare tools and products that can bring you joy. They are good for you both physically and mentally, your brain is getting a break and your body is getting special treatment. This method of self care is good if you want to save all of your loosening up until the end of the night.
When all else fails, SLEEP!
The best, best, best form of self care after hours of studying is to let yourself sleep. Sleep solves (almost) all your problems in terms of self care. Being tired all the time and forcing your brain to work overtime is not a healthy way to live, it will make you feel worse (and with cold and flu season upon us it also makes it easier for you to get sick and harder for you to get better). I know I must sound like a hypocrite because I’ve spent many nights forcing myself to study when I clearly needed sleep. I also know that sometimes you really do have to just stay up to finish something important, but t I studied and performed way better when I just let myself rest.
Managing your time and health and creating a balance between caring for yourself and everything else that is important to you is half of the battle you will face at college. Whichever way you decide to treat yourself to some self care, just know that you are doing a great job this semester and all of your hard work will pay off!