It’s that time of year when finals are coming up, the semester is almost over, and the “lock-in” feels like it needs to make up for every minute we lost these past few months. With all our obligations stacking up, our cups slowly drain. We pour so much time and energy into building our academic and professional lives that we forget to pour back into ourselves: the part that actually keeps us going.
This semester, I made myself a promise: my well-being comes first. It sounds broad, but it really isn’t. Prioritizing yourself looks different every single day, and my goal was simply to honor that, whatever form it took.
I’ve always tried to be present in every area of my life, but I realized I couldn’t do that if I wasn’t feeling good. As someone who doesn’t naturally have a long list of hobbies, I struggled to figure out what “filling my cup” even meant. I tried so many things, but sticking to new habits mid-semester alongside deadlines, meetings, and responsibilities is really hard.
Still, I started making small tweaks. Adding rituals, acts of self-care, and building a routine have helped ensure my cup never runs empty, especially when most of my time and energy go towards studying and exams.
- Honoring My Needs, but Still Showing up for Myself
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I’m slowly learning to listen to my body, and it’s been making my life much lighter. Some days won’t be as productive, you might not eat clean, and you might only get out of bed after noon.
The first step for me was accepting that not every day would be perfect. I value being productive, I’m a list-maker, and I love being ahead of my course load, but that’s just not my reality every single day.
I like to set up minimums for my days that don’t limit me but guarantee that I’m still showing up. My main hobbies are making my bed, eating a good meal, and taking a hot shower, followed by minimal skin and hair care. Unless I’m in bed sick, this is the bare minimum I promise myself.
I also recognize that my minimums will be so different from what I hear from others and see online. People only show and post what they want you to see, so I keep this in mind when figuring out how to set myself up for my needs.
- Taking Time off My Day To Do the Small Things I Enjoy
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Whether it’s making a fun drink, getting ready, or taking a walk while listening to a podcast, I try to do the things I love with the purpose of enjoying them fully. During the colder months, I like to take time off my day to take extra care of my hair and skin. With the winter uglies creeping in, getting ready in the morning makes me feel put together and sets my day up for success.
Sometimes, with the end-of-semester rush, some of these things might feel unrealistic, but if it means adding a time slot for myself to my calendar, I’ll do it. My well-being deserves to be part of my day, and I’m determined to keep it that way. I’ve also learned that I tend to do better while studying when I take care of myself first.
- Moving My Body in a Way That I Enjoy
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I started taking spin classes at the Leach Recreation Center last year, and it truly became a passion for me. I take these short 45 minutes out of my day and feel so energized afterwards. I’ve been enjoying taking the classes at the end of the day, as it gives me something to look forward to.
I stalk the Leach instructors’ spinstas (Instagram profiles where the instructors post everything spin, like their class themes and formats) and find the themes I can’t miss. Spinning to Pitch Perfect and Glee soundtracks are the highlight of my week!
As my to-do list becomes bigger with finals approaching, I remind myself that exercise doesn’t need to be a task, but it can be something that makes me happy and boosts my mood. It also helps me with my sleep and overall self-esteem, so I prioritize setting this time aside to keep me sane.
- Taking Care of My Space and Decluttering
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As the semester winds down, I find my brain messier than ever. You know, when people say your environment reflects you? I try to flip that. Having a clean, organized room makes me feel at least a little more put together.
I spend a lot of time in my room, so keeping it in order is always at the top of my list. Making sure I pick up after myself each day and maintain a clean, organized space makes me feel so much more at peace.
Hobby Lobby is my best friend when it comes to decor, and I love getting small items to match the seasons. They’re almost always 50% off, and it makes my environment so much cozier and inviting. Being in a clean space allows my days to be more intentional.
I’ve also been working on decluttering, especially when it comes to my closet. My go-to tactic has been taking clothes I don’t wear anymore to Plato’s Closet, making a bit of money, and donating the rest.
- Self-Affirmations
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In today’s world, being a college student comes with considerable pressure. It feels like everyone is doing more, achieving more, and moving faster than you. As the semester wraps up and my LinkedIn turns into an endless scroll of accomplishments, I have to remind myself I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I’m learning to give myself credit and recognize my own effort. This time of year makes it so easy to compare yourself to others, or even to a past version of yourself. I’m trying to focus on my growth and appreciate the work I’ve put in this semester.
One of my favorite ways to do that is by writing small positive notes on my to-do lists every day. It’s a tiny habit, but it helps me acknowledge myself and keep going with a little more kindness.
The end of the semester will always be chaotic, but I’m realizing that I get to choose how I show up in it. These little habits have helped me feel grounded, even in the busiest moments. I hope they inspire you to find your own ways to refill your cup, too.
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