Taking the time to take a step back from the chaos of every day life and check in with yourself is very important. Sure, those other tasks like school, work, and your social life seem to be at the top, but none of that will get done if you’re not putting yourself and your health first. So here are some ideas from our team on how to practice self-care and take a moment to relax.
Fresh Air and Exercise
For Ana, self-care involves getting out and exercising. “One important part of my self-care routine is going for runs. When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, running helps me clear my mind. The combination of the exercise I get and the fresh air always makes me feel much calmer and more able to handle the things that I need to do. Another part of my routine is listening to music. Different types of music can impact my mood in different ways; how I am feeling and how I want to feel can determine what type of music I play. One of my favorite ways to recharge is to discover new music.”
Find your inner child
Brooke emphasizes finding peace in your routine. “When classes become too hectic and your mental well-being is less prioritized, allotting time for self-care is important for academic stamina. My personal, underrated, routine for taking time for myself is to gather my favorite snack or comfort meal with a blanket in front of the television and watch your favorite YouTube videos. Whether it is cartoons, music, or random vloggers, taking relaxing moments to be your free self boosts your serotonin. Bundled in a blanket burrito, perhaps eating an actual burrito, is a great way to escape your current stressful situation and become your inner child for a blissful moment.”
Escape Reality
Chaeli believes sometimes you need to leave your own reality to feel better. “I think that for me I like to watch tv or take a nap when I get a wave of weariness or anxiousness coming on. With TV, I feel like it helps because I tune out my own reality sometimes so I can look at a fake one. Naps I feel like help for obvious reasons because rest is important. Other things I like to do are take a hot shower and organize my room. I think this helps to clear the mind. I also like listening to relaxing music.”
Treat yourself
Shaunny’s self-care involves treating herself to some of her favorite activities. “My self-care involves going to the hair and nail salon. I love getting my eyebrows, hair, nails, and toes done! Trips to the hair and nail salon make me feel better about myself and ultimately help boost my confidence. I also like to have chill days where I stay in bed, be lazy, eat snacks, and watch movies. When my life gets hectic, I turn on some music, and all of my problems seem to disappear! Music is like therapy to me; it calms me.”
t-swift saves the day
While Brynne has suggestions outside of Taylor Swift music, it really is the highlight of self-care. “When I’ve had a bad day or just need to take some time for myself, I always take a long, hot shower and listen to my favorite music, specifically Taylor Swift. Taylor has music for every mood, so I know I can always count on her to make me feel better. I also enjoy doing small things like painting my nails, putting on a face mask, or braiding my hair, because it doesn’t take much effort but makes me feel much more put together. I’ll typically end my self-care routine by putting on my favorite pajamas, watching an episode or two of Gilmore Girls, and going to bed early.”
Routine isn’t for everyone
While Alauni may not have a specific routine she turns to, she knows how to decompress when need be. “Routine isn’t really the flow that I follow. However, there are a few things that help me let off some steam if I’m feeling stressed. I usually hit the gym after the end of a long day. A good workout with the ultimate workout playlist can really make you feel empowered! Also sometimes venting to a close friend who is willing let you use their shoulder can help take the stressful world off of yours.”
Bubbles
Ella suggests a nice warm bath with some soapy bubbles to calm your nerves. “My typical self routine is usually a warm bath! I put in some bubble bath or bath salts and light a candle (when not on campus). Even some essential oils would be nice. Then lay back with the lights off and listen to some calming music or watch my fave show of the moment. Spice it up with whatever you like!”
Relaxing doesn’t mean being lazy
Tiffany knows how to relax and still get things done that matter to her. “With my schedule usually packed as a college student and working full-time, it’s pretty easy to feel overwhelmed, so I try to give myself every couple of weeks a whole day to just unwind from the world around me. I will sleep in as long as I can in the mornings, usually until 9 or 10-ish. Then I’ll go out on a lunch date with myself and spend some time window shopping (for anyone looking for new eats, check out Sorabol). The rest of the afternoon is spent doing some cleaning around the house, playing with my dogs, and catching up on any shows that are on my ‘to watch list’. I’m currently watching Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Spy x Family (please, no spoilers). I usually end the night with a long shower, face mask, and an episode of The Great British Bake Off (with Mary Berry) playing in the background before going to bed.”