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10 Ways to Practice Self-Care

Emily Radigan Student Contributor, Siena College
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Siena Contributor Student Contributor, Siena College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Siena chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Sometimes college can seem like an anxiety attack waiting to happen. Between homework, classes, and friends it can be hard to remember to take care of yourself. Here’s some ways to make sure you’re taking care of yourself!

1.  Read a book for fun

Sometimes you need to take a break from all that academic reading and you need to take a break and read for pleasure. Pick up your favorite book or try a new one from your favorite genre.

2. Watch Netflix

Netflix is a girl’s go-to, especially when you’re stressed. Have a favorite show? It’s okay to binge-watch every once in a while (or more often!) Some characters feel like old friends and can help you get through anything.

3. Hang out with friends

Netflix may be a girl’s go-to but there’s no replacement for living, breathing friends. Call your friends and just hang out, make jokes, and chill. Whether you talk about something serious or light-hearted, true friends are sure to make your day better.

4. Plan a day out

Can’t hang out with friends right this second? Make plans with them. Do something you all love or try something new; a trip to the mall, pizza and a movie, a spa day. Reaching out to friends, even amidst a ton of work, lets them know you care about them. They might welcome the well-earned break!

5. Eat something

An important thing to do in college is remember to eat. This doesn’t mean you have to eat a lot (though you totally can) but it’s important that you eat something. Not eating can have detrimental effects on your health. Make sure to grab an apple or other snack when you’re studying.

6. Write in a journal

Feeling a lot of stress? Sometimes recording your emotions and just letting your thoughts flow can help. Get a notebook and just jot down some of your thoughts, feelings, etc. You won’t regret it.

7. Take a nap

There’s a lot of work, we get it. But if you’re doing your paper on low energy, taking a power nap might not be the worst thing. You’ll be more productive on full energy than on low energy.

8. Do something nice for someone else

This is about self-care, but sometimes caring for others is a form of self-care. Your happiness and satisfaction will go up if you do something genuinely nice for others!

9. Call home

There’s no place like home! If you can’t be there, talking to family and friends is the next best thing. Call up your family and just chat; tell them what’s going on in your life, see what’s going on in their life. You’ll feel better keeping in touch with people you might not see everyday.

10. Do what you feel is right

The most important part of self-care is doing what you feel is right. Don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable and okay with. Know your limits and know yourself. You’ll do what’s right in the end.

Emily Radigan is a Siena College Class of 2020 alumna. During her time at Siena, she triple-majored in Political Science, Philosophy, and a self-designed interdisciplinary major in Gender and Sexuality Theory and Activism.