The beginning of the new semester brings exciting opportunities. Whether it’s getting more involved in clubs on campus, joining a new sport, or taking on a heavier course load, the excitement of starting something new is often accompanied by a great deal of stress.
While we cannot control the obstacles we are presented with, we can equip ourselves with the skills to handle such obstacles by engaging in self-care, which benefits both mental and physical wellness. We get so wrapped up in our busy schedules that we often forget to show ourselves some lovin’. This crucial mistake leads to anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and difficulty coping with new challenges. Take a deep breath, relax, and take some time to focus on the most important person in your life: you!
1. Get outside.
Scientific research suggests that spending time in a natural environment can boost your mood and improve your attention span. Even on your busiest days, it’s possible to spend at least 20 minutes in fresh air by eating lunch in the quad or walking to class rather than taking the bus.
2. Stay on top of things.
Organization comes in many forms. For example, donating unnecessary possessions to declutter your workspace is an effective way to boost productivity and minimize distractions. Not to mention, a daily planner is a fun and useful investment. Creating well-organized daily to-do lists promotes efficient time management; the personal satisfaction of checking off even the smallest goal provides a sense of accomplishment every single day.
3. Buy a cute water bottle and keep it on you throughout the day.
Staying hydrated is essential for remaining focused and energetic through all those lectures and discussions. You lose water faster than you realize– think about how often you are using the bathroom, sweating, or even just breathing. Protect yourself from dehydration by purchasing a refillable water bottle and making sure to sip frequently every hour.
4. Wash your face.
It might seem trivial, but washing your face in the morning and at night reaps some serious benefits. Not only does it aid in preventing acne breakouts, but the mere act of setting aside a small amount of time each day to care for your skin is relaxing, and reinforces other self-care practices that are too often forgotten.
5. Limit screen time, especially before bed.
Screens are ubiquitous. From social media notifications constantly popping up on our phones, to addictive Netflix series and online coursework, it seems almost impossible to escape technology’s ever-tightening grip. As difficult as it might appear, studies show that deliberately unplugging yourself from screens allows your brain time to recharge so it can function at its optimal level. Not to mention, staring at a bright screen strains your eyes and, in many cases, disturbs sleeping patterns. Rather than scrolling through Instagram before bed, try reading a book or listening to soothing music to wind down before catching those Zs.
6. Pay attention to your diet.
When your day-to-day life is busy, it can be easy to forget the importance of nutrients and a well-balanced diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables is not only great for your body– it also nourishes your brain with antioxidants that have been linked to preventing memory loss in recent studies.
7. Start your morning with stretches.
Stretching as soon as you wake up gets your blood flowing right away. It forces you to get out of bed, and eliminates the tempting option of hitting the snooze button and falling back to sleep.
8. Practice positive self-talk.
When was the last time you reminded yourself of your strengths? We work hard, yet rarely recognize our own efforts and accomplishments. An easy way to engage in positive self-talk is by coming up with affirmations: something as simple as repeating “I am enough” in the mirror suffices. It might seem silly at first, but the less you criticize yourself, the more confident you will feel.
9. Make sleep a top priority.
As tempting as it might be to stay out late with friends or binge watch your latest Netflix obsession until 4 a.m., sabotaging sleep leads to some serious consequences. Not only can skipping shut-eye hurt productivity, it also contributes to long-term health complications such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression. Adequate sleep plays a crucial role in physical and mental health, so prioritizing those precious Zs is a must for hardworking collegiettes.
10. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
“Laughter is the best medicine” is cliche for good reason. Laughter soothes muscle tension and, as a result, reduces stress. It’s important to remember that one small mistake is not going to ruin the rest of your life. So next time you’re feeling down, take all of that energy and channel it towards doing something that gratifies you instead.