With finals season in full swing, it’s easy to get lost in the late nights, endless studying and multiple coffee runs that occur each and every day.
While studying is definitely important, so are you. Your mental and physical health can take a toll during such hectic periods because it’s easy to push those things aside.
Here are some small self care tips that I’ve compiled throughout the semester (and a few just for finals) that I’ve found make a difference not only in my productivity, but also in my overall mood. Most of them don’t take too much time, so you’ll still be able to get plenty of studying done and still take care of yourself!
- Make a warm beverage
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It can be tea, coffee, apple cider, hot cocoa or anything you want. Not only can warm drinks be mentally comforting, but with temperatures dropping and snow inevitably on its way, they can be physically comforting as well. Just make sure you’re drinking plenty of water in between these cozy confections!
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
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I’ve never really struggled with dry skin anywhere other than my face, so I didn’t appreciate the benefits of body moisturizer until recently. Even if your skin isn’t dry, it’s important to moisturize at least a few times a week to keep your skin healthy, especially with the cold Chicago wind — not to mention it’s honestly luxurious. I’ve started using St. Ive’s Vitamin E and Avocado moisturizer a few nights a week after I shower (especially if I shave), and my skin is thanking me.
I also like to keep a small bottle of hand lotion and a lip balm right next to my bed. This way, even if I’m all bundled up under loads of blankets, I have no excuse not to use them before I go to sleep!
- Use a mouthwash at night
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This one I have also underappreciated until recently. I always figured brushing my teeth was enough — and it can be. But using a mouthwash just gets your breath extra fresh and your teeth extra clean, so you can basically say goodbye to morning breath. If nothing else, it at least makes me feel like I’m doing something right — and isn’t that the whole point of self care?
Also, I don’t know who needs to hear this (actually, I do, it’s me), but wear your retainer.
- Wash your sheets
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This one is SO simple and SO effective. There is absolutely no better feeling than climbing into a cozy warm bed knowing everything is nice and clean. Even just tossing a blanket in the dryer before you use it brings the coziness and comfort to a whole new level.
Also, don’t be afraid to bring blankets to the library, or wherever you choose to study. Being cozy is just an overall mood booster and can make studying feel less daunting.
- Take some time to yourself every few hours or so
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Amidst your inevitable lengthy study sessions, make sure you’re still taking breaks. Not only will this make you feel better, but you’ll likely be more productive to boot.
There are a lot of different ways to take a break, but I’ve found that 15 to 20 minutes about every two hours allows me to stay focused but also maintain my sanity and not get burned out.
You can do a lot in 20 minutes. Maybe this is when you make that warm beverage or stick a blanket in the dryer. You can take a walk, even if it’s just a lap around the library. Hey, you could even take a quick power nap. The most important thing is to listen to your body and determine what it needs in the moment.
- Enjoy the Christmas season!
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Chicago has so many beautiful sights and fun things to do during the Christmas season and you do not want to miss out. Instead of opting not to participate, use these opportunities as a way to reward yourself after a long day of studying. School is important, but make time for fun too!
If you’re more of a homebody, indulge in the Christmas season by making some hot cocoa, baking some cookies, watching a Christmas movie, listening to Christmas music, or however you choose to reward yourself. Just relax and soak in all the joy — you deserve it!
There are so many great ways to practice self care — hopefully this list gives you some inspiration and proves that even the simplest things can make a big difference.
Good luck to everyone with finals/papers/projects, and remember that your health is just as important as your studies. And after you finish killing the game, you get plenty of time to relax, recover and treat yourself with all kinds of self care over break!