This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SAU chapter.
10 Self care strategies anyone can do!
- Maintain your friendships. Connect regularly with family and friends and do things together that you all enjoy.
- Get regular exercise. This one really helps with reducing stress levels and improving your health. It may go hand in hand with the first tip, find an activity that you enjoy with your friends and do it together. Try aiming for 20 minutes a day, even a 10-minute walk will benefit you.
- Keep a balanced diet. Eat nutritious food as this helps with energy levels and stress management. Try to avoid too much caffeine or sugar – it may help you feel more energized in the short term but it can have negative effects in the long term.
- Ask for help and accept it when it is offered. This one may seem tricky however no one expects you to deal with whatever is going on in your life alone. If you’re experiencing stress or worry it can help to talk to someone about it. Whether that be a friend, family member your doctor, or a counselor.
- Think of yourself as your own best friend. Be kind to yourself. Encouraging and rewarding yourself for getting through a difficult period or achieving a goal, however small, will reinforce your self-confidence. Try to be as positive and compassionate towards yourself as much as you can.
- Plan something to look forward to, whether that be a trip with your mates or an outing – even a holiday.
- Try to spend some quality time for yourself, away from the usual demands, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Go for a walk, have a bath, read a book or meditate… You’ll wonder why you weren’t doing it before.
- Get good quality sleep and hop into a routine. We’re on our phones so much, especially in the evening however try to switch off your electronics at least an hour before going to bed so that you can wind down. If you’re finding it difficult to get to sleep, try a relaxation technique or an app that helps you feel sleepy again.
- On that note, practice regular relaxation. Try to squeeze in some meditation before starting your day. There’s a bunch of free apps you can download but if they aren’t your thing, try to visualize a safe, peaceful space e.g. a comforting room, a beautiful beach, or lovely bush setting, and spend 5-10 minutes imagining this in your mind.
- The last one – regularly engage in an activity that you find relaxing. Put aside a little time every day to do something that you really enjoy, whether that be gardening, listening to music, going to the beach, or reading. Schedule it into your daily routine so that it becomes a natural part of your life.