In the age of self-care and in the spirit of coming back to school after a week off, there are many things you can to help ensure you finish your semester strong. In today’s world, the notion of self-care has bombarded our lives in every way possible, but what does it actually mean? Self-care is different for everyone and does not have to be luxurious bubble bath that you feel like you had to earn at the end of the day. When you hear “self-care”, it can mean whatever you want it to mean. It can mean writing a gratitude list at the end of a trying day, or even just cozying up in bed with some freshly washed sheets. Unfortunately, it often seems that self-care must come at a price. It seems that we are only given permission to practice self-care when we absolutely need it. Why don’t we just take care of ourselves all the time?
I find whenever I open any form of my personal social media accounts, I am instantly submerged into the rhetoric of today that outlines the notion that we must always be busy in order to live successful or fulfilled lives. I am definitely someone who is guilty of always being on the move. Although this lifestyle is exciting, and is often viewed as the “correct” way to be a young person today, it doesn’t have to always be the case. We as university students are often involved in so many opportunities on campus, in our studies and in our personal lives. I know for me it sometimes seems like a lot. I have my favourite self-care techniques, but they don’t have to be the same as yours.
Taking care of yourself as an overworked university student is crucial. So take a break! According to an article by Claire Davidson, for Healthy U, “self-care can be something you practice each and every day, so that you can create a life that takes care of you back”. Source.
As tempting as it may be to watch too many Netflix episodes or eat a bunch of unhealthy food, these are not always the types of self-care your body needs or deserves. So maybe you can watch a few too many episodes of your favourite show but also remember to take care of yourself in the way that is best for you. Self-care is so important, but the way you choose to do it does not have to be in line with your favourite celebrity on Instagram. Take care of yourself because you deserve all the self-love you have to give. Remember that self-care is about taking care of yourself, and should not be for anyone but you.