This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wash U chapter.
Self-care rituals are personal and tailored to one’s own needs. However, self-care shouldn’t feel rare (although in our everyday, fast-paced, constantly on-the-move lifestyles as college students, opportunities for total relaxation and pampering do feel occasional and circumstantial). For the wellness days yet to come, these small self-care habits can feel less daunting to incorporate into your daily routine. After all, wellness shouldn’t be treated as circumstantial, but as an “always” priority!
- Starting the day with a glass of water: Before bed, put a glass of water on your bedside table to remind yourself to replenish and hydrate right as you wake up! Often times, morning tiredness can result from dehydration. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day even amidst a schedule bursting with frenzy and haste! If you typically aren’t good at remembering to drink water throughout the day like myself, investing in a water bottle with a straw might help! This way, you aren’t encouraged to chug water but can take small sips throughout the day.
- Morning stretch: If you have more time in the morning before your day starts, feel free to follow along with a sunrise yoga session on YouTube! However, if you only have a few minutes or seconds to spare, try to at least move your limbs to loosen up tight muscles. Stretch your arms overhead with your fingers interlaced and tilt your upper body from side to side. While standing, support your balance by holding onto a wall (or even your bed frame) and roll your ankles gently. Lean your body over and reach for your toes. These simple moves will get your blood flowing from the minute you wake up!
- Power pose in the mirror: After getting ready, feel empowered and motivated to face the day by striking a power pose in the mirror. It may feel silly in the moment, but even standing with your feet wide and hands outstretched for 1 minute helps you feel energized for the day (even if you may not feel as energized as the pose makes you look).
- Sanitize your phone/tablet/computer screens and keyboards after a long day of work: Self-care (especially during Covid) isn’t limited to taking care of your body physically or through nutrients and nourishment. Remember to sanitize commonly used surfaces to prevent the spread of germs! Cleaning your devices at the end of the day also feels renewing–all of your devices will be as good as new the next day when you work!
- Reserve at least one hour for as “complete” of a relaxation as you can: Remember to take breaks in between working. Go outside for fresh air (the weather has been beautiful lately!), call a friend, make yourself coffee/tea/hot cocoa (great for any time of year), journal, watch your favorite show, catch up with your parents, etc. However you feel most relaxed, try to commit time to that activity everyday. Be there for yourself!
Self-care can be incorporated into your daily routine. Take care and take it easy!