It can be overwhelming to start out a new semester, but checking in with yourself on little self-care routines makes it easier. Taking care of yourself and making healthy habits can sometimes feel like a chore, but if you integrate it into your schedule it can become part of your day-to-day life.
1) Make sure you’re getting enough sleep for the days you have class. Try and get into a routine of not looking at screens or maybe something calming like drinking a cup of tea or reading. If you can’t get more 7-8 hours of sleep, try to be consistent with the times you go to sleep so you can develop a rhythm your body can get used to.
2) Allergy and cold season is here, so if you’re sniffling and coughing it’s okay to take some time off from classes to rest. Take medicine like Mucinex or Sudafed, use a Neti pot. A home remedy is to eat a small clove of garlic, squish it a little bit so it releases the chemical allicin, and then eat it – it strengthens your immune system. Remember to drink plenty of water!
3) Make note of any changes like a new time you have to wake up, a new dosage of medication if you have any, or a new financial or living situation. Don’t let your classes make you forget to eat or take your medication or rest. Set reminders on your phone, write a bulleted list, or ask a friend, partner, or family member to remind you or check in with you.
4) If it’s helpful for you, download an app like 5 Minute Journal or Buddhify that can help you with journaling or meditation – the New York Times is doing a 30-day wellness challenge that will e-mail you suggestions on daily wellness and mindfulness exercises. Don’t feel pressured to do mindfulness techniques if you don’t want to, but if it appeals to you it only takes five minutes or so a day.
5) It can be hard to adjust to a new schedule, so even if you have draining days, talk to your friends and loved ones about how you’re feeling. No one should be exhausted or overwhelmed on their own. On the flip side, check in with the people in your life and ask how they’re doing. Open up the conversation and ask for help when you need it.
My name is Nelly, and I am The New School’s Narwhal mascot! What this means for me is that I represent the students, with all their hopes, fears, ambitions, and dreams—and that I want to help them achieve those dreams! So I’ve teamed up with Her Campus, the #1 online women’s college magazine, to help give my students advice about any issues they might be having. You can anonymously ask me anything on Tumblr or email me at asknellythenarwhal@gmail.com!