With the new semester in full swing, it can be tough to schedule time to take care of yourself and your personal well-being. However, it is vital to remember that without a healthy mind, it is even more difficult to take care of school-related responsibilities, your relationships and life in general. Hence, incorporating self-care techniques into your daily life will not only improve your mental health, it will make you feel good too!
Self-care is limitless, comes in a variety of forms and will work differently from person to person. However, even the smallest changes can make you feel better and more in touch with yourself, no matter which techniques you choose to use.
Additionally, with Bell Let’s Talk day a short time ago, I think it is essential to detach the stigma that comes with mental health and learn that it is acceptable to focus on your personal needs, especially while in university.
Here are some of my favourite self-care tips that don’t take up too much time and can make a world of a difference!
Meditate, meditate, meditate
I used to think this technique was pointless: there was no way sitting cross-legged and getting “in tune with myself” was going to relax me. However, the results of meditating truly surprised me. Often when people hear the word “meditate,” they automatically think it involves a lot of work and time they cannot dedicate to doing so. But it is actually a much simpler task than that. Whether you want to devote ten minutes or an hour, there are countless apps that provide guided meditations designed for sleep, anxiety and mindfulness.
One of my favourites is the HeadSpace app. It has various exercises and guided mediations that can add a touch of calm to any day — best of all, it is FREE. Check it out here!
Try out scent therapy
This technique is often one of preference, as some people generally do not find an overwhelming amount of scents relaxing. However, I swear by the use of scent therapy. I don’t mean “just walked into a Bath and Body Works” scent overload, but the use of essential oils and a diffuser has the ability to instantly relax me.
You can purchase a variety of different essential oil scents and diffuser types — it is all up to what makes you feel good! I personally choose lavender and lemongrass as my go-to scents, as lavender is known to induce better sleep and lemongrass helps with stress levels.
Saje is a popular aromatherapy store in Canada if you are interested in purchasing one, and you can check it out here.
Declutter your social media accounts
Unfollow, unfollow, unfollow! I cannot stress this one enough. Social media has become such a big influence on our lives that we often don’t realize how negative it can be as well. You have zero obligation to follow accounts that make you unhappy or feel bad about yourself. Instead, hit that unfollow button and start following people who make you feel good!
Negative influences need no place in your life, and trust me, you’ll notice the difference when you start viewing posts you actually care about.
Journal (or create a gratitude list)
Writing is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if it’s “not good” or if no one will see it. When I am feeling stressed or anxious, I find it really helpful to get it all out on paper. Not only does it help to express how you are feeling in words, sometimes we don’t want to talk to others, and bottling up emotions is extremely counter productive. I also find it beneficial to date my journal entries, that way I can look back on them in the future and see how I have improved over time.
If journaling isn’t for you, or maybe you are pressed for time — creating gratitude lists are another way of becoming present and being grateful for each day. Take ten minutes, either before bed or in the morning, to write down five things you are grateful for today. Whether it be your friends, your family, your significant other or your dog, just write it down. It is also beneficial to look back on each list when you are feeling down, overwhelmed or stressed. It is a healthy way of reminding you of all the good in your life, rather than the struggles. Schedule “Me Time”
Turn on your favourite Netflix show, make your go-to snack and put on a face mask — whatever makes you the happiest, do it! It doesn’t have to be a glamorous night, but it’s important to make sure you have alone time to unwind and relax no matter how crazy your schedule may be. It’s easier to put off time for ourselves than you would think, so while planning out your busy week, create a block of time when you can engage in activity just for you. You will thank yourself later.
Call a friend/family member
When I am feeling stressed, I am lucky to have a great support system of roommates who are also my best friends. Rather than call them, I can walk across our apartment and have a good old heart to heart. However, if you cannot do that, then calling up your best friend, your significant other or your parents can help ease your mind in most situations. I can’t stress enough how important it is to speak up, especially if you are having a rough time. It is okay to ask for help.
If you happen to not have a great support system or someone you can talk to in times of need, the Wellness Centre on the Laurier Waterloo campus is a great resource for counselling, crisis support and more. Check out the services they offer here.
Get moving!
There are days where even the thought of running makes you want to curl up in bed; however, exercise is actually one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and stress. Even if you want to have a “lazy” gym day, it is beneficial to get your blood pumping. In addition to being a great way to clear your mind, daily exercise is important for your body too. I personally find running to be an exceptional way of lowering my anxiety on days where I am feeling exceptionally overwhelmed.
Get some fresh air
Whether it be a walk around the block or just stepping outside for a breather, getting fresh air can do wonders when you are overwhelmed with stress. Put on one of your favourite playlists and take some deep breaths. It is a great mindfulness technique to bring yourself back to the present moment too.
Lastly, learn to say no.
Self-care can sometimes mean saying no. This is often a very hard lesson to learn, especially if you’re a people pleaser. You don’t want to let people down or look “boring.” With this mindset, it is easy to over fill your plate and over schedule your life. But it is vital to remember that you don’t have to go to the bar with your friends tonight — and that is okay to step back and turn down offers for “me time” instead.
Remember: “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”