As college students, our day to day lives are consistently busy. Sometimes we forget a meal, skip class or the gym, or forget about something we said we would do. Often our stress levels will increase and we become overwhelmed. It is important that you make sure you take some time to focus on yourself and practice self-care. Here are some ways to improve certain areas of your life and your overall self-care.
1. Food/Nutrition
The food and nutrition aspects of self-care are often overlooked. People are so busy that they don’t eat regularly or decide to have fast food instead of regular meals. There are many benefits to getting adequate nutrition. Try some foods such as fruits, vegetables, or almonds to help you feel better.
2. Exercise/Physical Activity
Exercise and physical activity are also often overlooked aspects of self-care. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills shard as you age. It releases endorphins, reduces risk of depression, and can help with sleep.
At Framingham State, the Counseling Center has the Bridge to Health program in which students who are experiencing mental health issues and involves a free trainer who will work with students to help them start exercising with the ultimate goal of improving mood symptoms. Physical health is an important part of self-care so take some time to go out for a walk or find another way to be active.
3. Medical Care
Seeking out medical care when you need it is important to self-care. People may put off getting medical care until the problems that might have been relatively easy to take care of become more severe. Make goals such as “I will set aside money in my budget so that I can get my prescriptions filled each month.” If you are not feeling well, try making an appointment at the health center or ask a friend to help and bring you medicine.
4. Technology
Our generation has developed a dependence on technology. Don’t feel as if you have to answer your phone every time it rings. If you don’t feel like talking on the phone or texting, respond to people at a time that is more convenient for you. Don’t be afraid to turn your phone off or unfollow people on social media. You have the option on Facebook to unfollow or hide their profile from your newsfeed to avoid toxic posts.
Make your time what you want it to be. You do not have to be absorbed in technology.
5. Spirituality and Meditation
Spirituality and meditation can become good practices to help yourself just let go. Meditation along with deep breathing exercises and visualization can be relaxing. Spirituality allows time for reflection. It can help with finding connections or community. Be open to inspiration and identify what is meaningful to you and notice its place in your life. Take the time to pause, evaluate, and give gratitude.
6. Relationships
It is important to make sure that the people in your life are supportive. Prioritize your time with people who make you feel good. If you have trouble finding people who can support you, consider joining a support group.
Don’t be afraid to say no or set limits. Be aware of toxic people in our life: those who only call when they need something or leave you feeling tired or depressed. It is okay to let some people go. It can be a difficult decision to make but you have to remember that you deserve to have people around you who genuinely care about you and support you.
7. Leisure and Activities
Find the time to do activities and things that you enjoy. Be aware of things you may be doing that take up a lot of your time but don’t support as self-care. Examples: Too much sleeping (yes, this is possible), watching TV, too much time on the internet. These can be forms of self-care just don’t make them excessive and a tool for isolating yourself.
Join new groups or find time to spend with the people already in your life. Make a hangout night and stick with it. It can be with a group, a friend, or a partner. Self-care doesn’t have to be something that you do alone. But treat your leisure time as seriously as any other commitment. Mark it on your calendar and make sure you follow through with it!
These are only a few areas in which you can improve your self-care. Just remember that you are wonderful and deserve to make sure you do whatever you need in order to be the best you possible.
Based on information provided by the Framingham State SEALS Peer Health Educators. The SEALS will be hosting the Self-Care Fair on April 12th.