College is a time filled with new experiences, excitement, and growth. However, if you do not prioritize self care, your mental health could deplete with all of the many responsibilities you have. From academics, to social life, personal responsibilities, and more… you could quickly become overwhelmed. Taking care of yourself is crucial in all journeys of life, especially when going to college.
Keep reading for a guide to help you become the best, healthiest, version of yourself!
1.Prioritize Sleep/Develop a Good Sleep Schedule: This may seem quite simple, but coming from a college student… this mundane task is actually quite difficult. When studying, reading, writing, etc. it is very easy to lose track of time and stay up late doing work. It is important to block out specific study and work times to avoid this issue. It is also essential to develop a solid morning and night routine that you stick to daily to get your body into a routine. When doing your night routine, your body is preparing to wind down and get the sleep it needs. For more information on establishing routines and implementing good study habits check out my other posts: Surviving Your First Week of College: Top Ten Tips and Tricks, Effective Study Hacks: Proven Strategies for Academic Excellence. Getting enough sleep is not only crucial for your overall health and well being, but it helps you show up as your best self and succeed academically. Aim for about 7-9 hours of sleep EVERY night (yes… every single night.) I would recommend not having caffeine past a certain point in the day. Don’t eat a heavy meal right before bedtime to give yourself a few hours to digest your dinner before going to sleep. (Just trust me… this advice is from the professionals… I’m a pre-law student not a pre-med student!)
2. Eat a balanced diet: Eating healthy can help boost your energy levels throughout the day while simultaneously improving your mood. Incorporate all the food groups into your diet, if you’re looking for tips on grocery shopping or meal prepping check out my other post: Budget Friendly Meal Prep and Grocery Shopping Tips for College Students. Avoid excessive caffeine (I know it’s hard..) and try to avoid junk food ( a sweet treat to reward yourself once in a while is perfectly okay!) Remember to drink plenty of water as well. Eating healthy will give you the energy you need to conquer the day. Making small change to your diet can help you become both the happiest and healthiest version of yourself!
3. Exercise Regularly: I know this task can be daunting, especially with everything you have to manage as a college student. But finding time to intentionally move your body for at least 30 minutes a day will completely transform your mental and physical health, and it is one of the best acts of self-care! This could be going for a walk while listening to your favorite podcast, audiobook, or playlist (two self-care acts in one!), doing Pilates or yoga, or even stretching. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy, intense, and exhausting workout. The intentionality behind it is what matters most! Find an activity you enjoy, and stick to it. Not only does it improve your physical well-being but it also improves your mental well-being! As the famous Elle Woods once said “exercise gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy, and happy people don’t shoot their husbands…” : Legally Blonde, 2001
4. Manage Stress: Again, another task that seems simple yet is so difficult to actually follow. College is extremely stressful, so being able to implement effective stress management techniques is extremely important. This could be exercise (again, two acts of self care in one!), deep breathing, meditation, yoga, journaling, practicing mindfulness, or even downloading a relaxation app will do the trick. Set aside time to clear your brain from all that is weighing on you. Only do what you can handle each day. Remember, no degree is worth sacrificing your mental health, or physical well being over. Break things down into small manageable tasks, and work at it every day. You got this, I have faith in you! I would recommend seeing a therapist if time (and money) allow. Some colleges have access to mental health professionals or resources. Take advantage of them! They are there to help you 🙂
5. Set Boundaries: Learning that the word “no” is a complete sentence is such a beautiful thing. When balancing all you have going on, it is important to set boundaries. Don’t overload your schedule or say “yes” to too many things. Boundaries will completely transform the trajectory of your relationships and even strengthen them! It took me awhile to realize that boundaries are not a bad thing. They are actually good and extremely necessary! Learn to say no to anything that does not align with your values and goals. Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout, and allows you to focus on what truly matters (especially what is best for you!)
6.Develop and Pursue Hobbies: This is a hard one… it is something I’m currently working on myself. Remember, you are more than your degree, accomplishments, and goals. Your life is college right now, but it won’t be forever. You can’t lose yourself in the process. Find hobbies and things (that don’t involve academics) that make you happy. This could be painting, playing instruments, reading, collecting rocks, etc. Whatever it is that makes you happy and clears your mind… do it!
7. Stay Organized: Organize your life! Make sure your space stays clutter-free, your bag is organized, and your desk is clear. A cluttered life will lead to a cluttered mind. Effective organization can minimize stress and enhance productivity. Use planners (Check out our shop for the Ultimate Academic and Personal Planner!), calendars, or digital tools to track assignments, deadlines, and your personal life. Staying organized might be hard to do in the midst of the chaos, but it pays off immensely!
8. Take Breaks and Rest: This goes hand-in hand with the first tip. However, allowing yourself to rest and recharge is essential. Regular breaks from studying or other responsibilities are extremely important to prevent burnout. Maybe on these breaks you can implement some of your hobbies or stress-management techniques as mentioned above?! Just a thought….
9. Have a Self-Care Night Every Week: This is a GAME CHANGER. I find that having the ultimate self-care night is an incredible way to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Cook your favorite meal, get some yummy dessert, watch a movie or Netflix, do a face mask, take a shower, read a book, journal, light some candles and play some relaxing music. Set aside a night at least once a week to do all of the self-care rituals you enjoy doing. Completely romanticize this moment and be like the self-care gurus on TikTok and YouTube. It will completely change your life… I promise! I also find during hard and stressful weeks, I can get through them much easier because I know that *rest* day is near. Remember, you have the time.. you are doing enough, you are more than capable, and you deserve it! (Your work will still be there, you can get to it the next day… for now enjoy your one day a week of rest.)
10. Take yourself on a date: One day a month, take yourself on a date. You can do this regardless of if you’re single or not. Get your nails done, go to a cute shop in your college town, go thrifting, eat at a cute cafe or restaurant, explore/hike, etc. Whatever it is, plan it once a month. Just you and no one else. Experience a day of solitude and rest. Taking a moment to just live is such a beautiful thing.
Conclusion
Implementing these self care strategies (or others!) can help you maintain balance and well being throughout your college experience. By prioritizing things like sleep, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness activities, and more, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of college and live a healthier lifestyle. Remember, self care is not a one-time activity. It is a lifestyle; an ongoing practice that is essential for your well being. I’m rooting for you!
The content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. All information and opinions expressed are based on general knowledge and research. The author does not claim ownership of any content or ideas presented and does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions. For specific advice related to your situation, please consult a qualified professional.
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