“April is the cruelest month,” says T.S. Eliot at the beginning of his epic poem The Wasteland. When life is a chaotic combination of readings, long-term essays, exams, organizations, applications, a social life, and, okay, Netflix, it’s easy to let your mental and physical health fall by the wayside. Hopefully, our self-care tips will help lower your stress levels and let you make it to finals without burning out. Read on to see what you can do to prevent a mini-breakdown like Ryan Gosling is having in this GIF.
1. Embrace gratitude.
Appreciating the little things that make you smile on a daily basis as well as the big, meaningful things in your life like family and friends can have an extremely positive impact on your mental health. Bring gratitude into your life by writing down three things every day that you’re grateful for, whether it’s in a note on your phone or in a physical journal. If you’re feeling really ambitious, take the time to write thank you letters to some of the important people that you’re grateful for. When the stress is piling up, flip through your gratitude journal to see all the good things that are going on in your life!
2. Get some exercise.
If you’ve been sitting curled up on your futon studying all day, spend five minutes on your floor with some simple stretching. If you’re swamped with a busy week of work and you’re feeling sluggish, taking a fifteen minute break to walk outside in the fresh air can lift your spirits. If you have more time to spare, try taking a yoga class to find your inner zen or a Zumba class to dance all your worries away. No matter how much time you have, moving your body just a little bit can help you feel so much better.
3. Don’t forget your friends.
Remember: you’re not alone. Your friends are a valuable support system to help cheer you up when you’re feeling low. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re having a bad day, because sometimes a hug is all it takes to turn things around. But remember, it goes both ways! Make sure to listen to your friends if they’re struggling and give them the same kind of attention you’d want them to give you.
4. Take care of your body.
Getting eight hours of sleep, eating balanced and nutritious meals, and looking your best during the end of the semester is far easier said than done. Although sometimes sacrifices are necessary, your daily routine should try to account for the important things that keep your body running. A decent nights sleep and a breakfast of eggs and fruit will give you the fuel you need to succeed, unlike an all-nighter powered by coffee, leftover Easter candy, and Pringles.
5. Treat yourself.
Finish your big research paper? Treat yourself. Ace a test? Treat yourself. Make it to Friday without collapsing into a pit of dispair? Treat yourself. A few great college-style rewards that I like to treat myself with are twenty minute naps, coffee study dates with friends, and painting my nails. Need more ideas that won’t break the bank? Try this list from one of my favorite bloggers on 23 Ways to Treat Yo’ Self That Aren’t Food or Shopping.
With these tips, we hope you’ll take the time to care for yourself in April. You’ve almost made it, collegiettes! Finish this last month strong.