Adding self-care to your routine can help you manage your feelings, slow down, recharge and add balance to your life.
Self-care activities are things you can do to help yourself achieve a better life balance, which can help you when times get stressful, because your system is in a more optimal state before the high-stress time starts. If you're feeling overwhelmed or burnt out from the stress of school, continue reading as we dive into real, simple ways to incorporate self-care into your life!
Why should I care about self-care?
Self-care is something you’ve probably heard of, but without the proper resources and support, it may feel like just another task on your to-do list.
Despite what you may think, investing in self-care is worthwile!
Research shows that prioritizing self-care can boost energy and reduce stress. It also supports you in the following ways:
- Relax and feel restored
- Calm your mind, relax your body, and give your system a chance to slow down
- Decreases loneliness
- Keep your body and mind healthy
Ways to practise self-care:
Short time commitment
- Listen to music you love or meditate: Spending a few minutes each day on something calming, like listening to music you love or meditating, can help settle your system. Morning, evening, or in between classes, find a moment that works for you.
- Take a shower or open your windows for fresh air: These activities can make you feel rejuvenated and refreshed!
- Call or text family or a friend: Sometimes all you need is someone to talk to, whether to help you think things through, or just have a nice conversation!
- Change of scenery: Study at a café or library, where you’re still getting your work done, but in a new, inspiring environment.
- Stretching: Stretching is a simple way to relieve tension and feel better fast.
- Cleaning: Cleaning your room or space can truly help you reset. Your environment has a bigger impact on your mood than you might realize!
Longer time commitment
- Read a book or watch a movie you enjoy: Put your phone down and find something you can smile at and immerse yourself in.
- Sing or dance: Whether it's alone in your room or out with friends, sing and dance like nobody's watching or listening!
- Create something: Whether it's drawing, crocheting, sewing, journaling, writing, taking photographs, scrapbooking - do something you enjoy and take pride in what you create.
- Exercise: Attend a yoga class, go for a run or hit up the gym. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and keep your body healthy.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset: Take a moment to catch the sunrise or sunset, it allows you to reflect and appreciate the beauty around you.
- Nature Walk: Pay attention to the colours, sights, smells, and sounds around you.
For the past few years, I’ve felt stuck as a busy, anxious, and overwhelmed student. But when I started practicing self-care, I noticed that I was better able to handle high stress scenarios, found more joy in my daily life, had more passion and energy, and that my relationships were better!
How do I find time for self-care with such a busy schedule?
- Shift your mindset: Look at self-care as an investment in recharging your mind and body.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique: Try setting a timer: focus for 25 minutes, then give yourself a 5-minute break to recharge.
- Schedule self-care into your day: Write self-care into your schedule, whether that’s on paper or your phone, so that it is visible and part of your routine.
Now you’ve got the basics of self-care, tips for making time, and a list of helpful activities - you're ready to begin your self-care journey!
Don't forget to actively incorporate these activities into your life as much as you can. With so many self-care options, be sure to focus on what works and feels best for you!
Remember to:
- Pause and check-in with yourself
- Aim to set aside some time for self-care every day
- Be kind and patient as you go
What next?
If you ever need help talking through your stress or figuring out what self-care activities work best for you, book a counselling appointment with Campus Wellness, Counselling Services!