As last semester came to an end, instead of feeling sad about leaving my friends and the wonderful Kenyon campus, I was counting down the days until I was done with classes. It was a tough semester. Not only did I have a challenging course load and a busy schedule, but I also went through a lot of difficult family issues, which left me traveling back and forth between home and Kenyon for parts of the semester. Under normal circumstances, I would have likely been more able to deal with the challenges that were thrown at me, but because I neglected to practice proper self-care, I began to completely fall apart.
After taking the summer to reflect on what went wrong, I’ve realized that I need to start treating myself better in order to be a successful and happy college student. So, this semester, I’m working hard to be more aware of how I’m feeling, and I want to be more proactive about my self-care. I’d like to share some of what I’ve learned and a few tips that I have for you so that you can start caring for yourself as well this semester.
I’ve chosen to split self-care into two parts: mental and physical. This will be a two-part series, and in this article, we’re going to tackle self-care as it pertains to mental health. Here are some tips:
1. Take a walk and practice mindfulness.
Instead of rushing from class to class, take some time to get lost on a walk. Explore a new path around campus. Notice the buildings, the architecture, the plants, the sky, and the clouds. Look for things that you wouldn’t normally notice, and take the time to be mindful and thoughtful about what you’re doing in the moment. It’s also a great way to give your body some love as well.
2. Play some of your favorite songs.
We often spend so much time listening to lectures or sitting in situations in which we choose not to be present in what we are re a listening to. Take some time to listen to something that you want to hear and you know makes you smile.
3. Look at something cute.
I am completely obsessed with cute animal Facebook pages, and honestly, there is no way for anyone to be unhappy while watching a video of an adorable puppy. It’s a great way to cheer yourself up. (try this page)
4. Make to-do lists.
I know that when things are stressful and overwhelming, it can be hard to figure out where to start. Taking a moment to take a deep breath and write down everything that needs to be done allows you to take back control over your schedule and what you do. It can also give you clear and more manageable goals to aim for.
5. Take a nap.
Sometimes we just need to get some quick rest to give our bodies and minds a break. A quick power nap is a great way to show yourself some love, and you’re even more productive after you rest your eyes.
6. Read!
Whether it’s a book for pleasure, the newspaper, or even one of your favorite blogs, read something that makes you feel happy. This isn’t a time to be doing a reading assignment for a class, but rather a time to be taking some time to learn something new or read about something that you genuinely enjoy.
7. Do something that you love
Whether it’s watching a favorite movie, using a favorite candle, or making your favorite meal, it doesn’t matter. Just do something that you know will make you happy. Sometimes after a tough day, we need to give ourselves something to smile about.
8. Write!
Depending on how you’re feeling, I would definitely recommend either journaling by simply writing down your thoughts and feelings or just writing a list of gratitudes. It’s often very easy to get caught up in all of the bad parts of the day, and it’s important to take a second to think about the good parts and what you’re thankful for.
8. Text or call someone.
Sometimes in order to care for ourselves, we need to lean on others for support. When I’m feeling bad, I reach out to my support system of friends and family so that I can vent or cry or just talk. You don’t have to reach out only when you’re sad either. I love to tell my friends when good things happen too. It’s always good to have people to go to when you need to talk. If you aren’t sure about your support system, or you need someone to talk to, Kenyon has a lot of wonderful resources that you can reach out to. The Peer Counselors, Counselors, and Sexual Misconduct Advisors are all confidential resources, who are always available to talk.
Self-care isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly important. Take it from me, a good self-care routine can change the way that you go about your days, weeks, and ultimately your semester.
Peer Counselor Hotline: 740-398-3806
Sexual Misconduct Advisor Hotline: 740-358-1544
Counseling Center: 740-427-5643
Image Credit: Jenna Bouquot