Between making deadlines, exams and social obligations, it can be easy to forget the most important priority in your life: “Yourself”. During high stress moments, we often mentally prioritize poorly and it can lead to health and wellness problems that may have some simple, quick and easy solutions. No matter how busy you may be, taking a pause is the last thing we think about. This article will share practical tips to help you manage stress, maintain mental clarity and care for yourself while life gets hectic.
A. Prioritize Your Schedule
Prioritizing and using time management is important because overcommitment can lead to burnout.
Tips:
- Breaking big tasks into smaller pieces
- Use a checklist, digital reminders app or planners to block out study time and practically anything in your day you might want to incorporate. This way less planning time is used when you’re working.
- Set realistic goals and try not to do everything all at once. Make sure to put breaks in between doing things.
B. Take Care of Your Body
Listening to your body’s needs and remembering not to skip the vital necessities will help mental health tremendously.
Tips:
- Sleep: Getting enough rest is key. Lack of sleep can raise stress and reduce your ability to focus.
- Nutrition & Hydration: Eating balanced meals and drinking water helps stabilize your mood and replenish energy.
- Movement: Even short activities help such as stretching at your desk, taking a short walk, or even doing a quick workout.
C. Practicing Mindfulness & Stress Relief
I promise it isn’t cliche to take a break and pause. In fact any small gesture of partaking in mindfulness can make a difference. Take 5-15 minutes in your day.
Tips:
- Try mindful breathing / guided meditations. There are free ones on youtube, spotify, and so many other platforms.
- Journaling, whether it’s gratitude, thoughts, or planning, can help visualize everything you might feel. It’s not about how much you write but rather how you regulate and release.
D. Set Boundaries
When you don’t say “no”, you risk overloading and not prioritizing yourself.
Instead:
- Learn to decline invitations or extra work politely but firmly.
- Protect personal time: block off “do not disturb” times on your devices.
- Use digital boundaries: set limits to when you don’t check social media and other platforms.
E. Connect with Supportive People
Social support is a major buffer against stress, and can help keep in contact with the right people.
- Connect with Friends, family, classmates
- Get a mentor or talk to your professor
- If needed even a mental health professional (counselors & therapists)
Tip: Make regular check-ins a habit, quick little calls, texting, or even a small meetup can make a difference.
F. Self Care Doesn’t Have to Be Big
It never has to be a spa day, something small and consistent is powerful to see changes.
- Listen to your favorite music
- Take a quick screen break
- See your favorite person
- Reward yourself a little treat
At first these may seem extreme or even small to make a difference, but I pinky promise these are doable. Using these strategies + real tools + small habits can help you “take care of yourself” in the midst of these busy and short days. Being a little selfish in the times you may need it the most will help you be the best version of yourself always! Stay balanced! ♡
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