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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GSU chapter.

Are you like me and completely in love with Destiny’s Child’s song, “Cater 2 U”? Well, if you enjoy a good remix, then you’ll also love September!

I like to think of September as “Cater 2 Me Month” because September is Self-Care Awareness Month, and we’ll only focus on the songs that uplift us. So grab your candles and Epsom salts, go for a nice walk, do whatever you desire, and forget the rest! Need some self-care ideas? Here are a few that you could enjoy:

What Is Professional Self-Care?

If you have a hard time prioritizing your self-care in the workplace, I have a few things you can try! Don’t be afraid to implement these tactics because whether you’re in the confines of your home or public space– you matter. Create a strict schedule to balance work and personal life as best as you can. An example can look like only worrying about work between business hours. Sometimes leaving work at work can be the best thing for you! 

Use your vacation and sick days. I know you have them saved up, and you’re waiting for that perfect moment. Well, the time is now. My favorite trips are the impromptu ones! Another great tip is to develop genuine bonds with your coworkers. Doing so gives you a support group that understands exactly what your daily challenges and life are like. Creating these bonds also surrounds you with like-minded individuals who can be a great network in the long run! Lastly, I have to advise you to work on your skillset continuously. Working on your skillset can include attending professional programs, engaging with a mentor, or simply reading a book within your field. If you’re constantly evolving in your work, you’ll be more confident in yourself and closer to achieving your goals!

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What Is Physical Self-Care?

Sometimes people only deem physical self-care as exercising, but it is way more than that. You can try visiting the chiropractor, have a massage or facial done. Take a dancing class with friends just to do it! Go on a relaxing hike to a place you’ve never been and really be in the moment. Have you been wanting to try that new food spot that everyone has been raving about, but you just haven’t had the time? Make the time!

You deserve to experience it too. Personally, my favorite kind of physical self-care is yoga! It’s so relaxing and an awesome way to be more in-tune with your body and the tension you may have stored unknowingly. 

What Is Mental Self-Care?

There is a multitude of ways to cater to your mental self-care! I like to journal about everything! It’s a nice release to just get all of your feelings out. You can write a list of what you’re grateful for or merely journal about your day. If you haven’t tried meditation, then you certainly should! Even if you can only commit five minutes a day to meditate, it is still good to clear your mind and center yourself.

After meditating consistently for a few days, you’ll feel lighter in the best way. Do you feel better when you clean and declutter your home? Do it! Cleaning is a great way to practice mental self-care, and a clean space leads to a clear mind. No matter how old we get, there’s something immediately calming about coloring and puzzling. Don’t focus on anything else but the task at hand. Allow yourself to enjoy these activities fully! 

Self-Care Awareness Month or Cater 2 Me Month is for you! It’s our time to really prioritize ourselves without any guilt or hesitation. You’ll never regret making yourself a priority. If you don’t do it, then who will? So, begin implementing self-care practices into your everyday life.

The key to self-care is that it’s whatever you want it to be! I’ve provided you with a few examples, but honestly, self-care is what you deem it is. Take in every moment this month has to offer and share these tips with your friends! Everyone deserves to be catered to.

Regina Price is a senior at Georgia State University majoring in neuroscience with a pre-medical concentration. She is the current President of STARS, a mental health organization on campus that works to eliminate the stigma! Regina aspires to be a doctor and leave a positive impact on the world with the aid of science. In her spare time, she loves to give back to the community, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy various forms of art.