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Okay, bestie, let us be real, finals can feel like an emotional rollercoaster fueled by caffeine, late nights, and existential dread. Between trying to keep up with assignments, staying social, and remembering to eat something that is not a microwavable meal, it is easy to crash. But do not worry! We are NOT doing that this semester!
This is your gentle reminder that taking care of you is just as important as studying for that big exam. Here is your cozy guide to staying balanced, grounded, and even a little bit ✨mindful✨ during finals.
🧠 Mindfulness Moments
Pause when you notice your mind racing. You know that one feeling when your brain goes a million miles a minute, yes, that feeling. Take a breath (yes, literally). Try journaling, stretching, or even just putting your phone down for five minutes.
I cannot be the only one who struggles to prioritize self-care once the semester begins. It can be difficult to find time in your day to check in with yourself, process your emotions, and regulate your nervous system. A gratitude journal is one of my favorite tools for making self-care more manageable.
This version from Papier includes daily prompts and some joyful mottos to carry you throughout the day. ✨ Papier has the cutest designs and is so well organized! If you are interested in that, click here!
Wellness Tip of the Day:
Start your week off strong with these journal prompts:
- What are the three things I want to focus on this week?
- How do I want to feel by the end of this semester?
- What is one thing I can do today that my future self will thank me for?
New semester, new you! If you are trying to start fresh and stick to your goals this year (I see you), a journaling sesh can make all the difference.
💖 Mental Health Check-In
You do not have to do it all, and you are not expected to be perfect. Coming from a perfectionist, it is not attainable. Take breaks, ask for help when you need it, and remember that your grades do not define your worth. It is okay to rest. It is okay to say no. It is okay to put yourself first. It is okay to not have everything figured out right now.
☀️ BALANCE, Bestie
When people talk about college, they love telling you what you should be doing to prepare for your career, and while that is great, sometimes what is even more helpful is knowing what not to do. Do not overwork yourself. Do not compare your progress to others. Do not forget that you are human.
📚 COLLEGE TIP OF THE DAY
Take a risk! Now is the perfect time to try something new!
Taylor Swift once said, “How can a person know everything at 18, but nothing at 22?” and it has stayed with me ever since. As kids, we often have a clear picture of what success should look like, but those expectations tend to shift once we enter college. Stepping into your adult era brings an entirely new set of experiences, relationships, and perspectives to your worldview, so it is okay if your goals change.
Now is the best time to take a risk and challenge the beliefs you may have once held. If you are considering making a big life change, whether that is your major, your college, or what you plan to do after graduation, take some advice from a college student who has been there. You got this. 🤍
🍂 My Fall Self-Care Checklist
This semester, I am doing things that serve me; here is your sign to do the same:
☁️ Read lots of books
☕ Drink good coffee
🧁 Bake sweet treats
🎧 Listen to music that makes your soul happy
🕯️ Light all the cozy candles
🥗 Eat food that actually makes you feel good
🧤 Wear the coziest sweaters
🚶♀️ Go on walks and breathe in that crisp fall air
Because you deserve to feel good, not just when midterms are over, but while you are in the middle of them!
So, remember:
You can be both ambitious and gentle with yourself. You can study diligently and still find time to sip your pumpkin spice latte in peace. This midterm season, we are all about balance, baby!