Self-Care Tips
Make self-care a priority. There will always be other things to do, but don’t let these interrupt the time you set aside for self-care. Self-care should be given the same importance as other responsibilities.
Set specific self-care goals. It’s difficult to follow through with vague goals, such as “I will take more time for self-care”. Instead, try something specific, such as “I will walk for 30 minutes every evening after dinner."
Make self-care a habit. Just like eating one apple doesn’t eliminate health problems, using self-care just once won’t have much effect on reducing stress. Choose activities that you can do often, and that you will stick with.
A few minutes of self-care is better than no self-care. Set an alarm reminding you to take regular breaks, even if it’s just a walk around the block, or an uninterrupted snack. Oftentimes, stepping away will energize you to work more efficiently when you return.
Unhealthy activities don’t count as self-care. Substance use, over-eating, and other unhealthy behaviors might hide uncomfortable emotions temporarily, but they cause more problems in the long run.
Keep up with self-care, even when you’re feeling good. Doing so will keep you in a healthy routine. Plus, self-care might be part of the reason why you’re feeling gooSelf-care varies from individual to individual. As a college student, there are specific aspects that are essential to prioritize for maintaining well-being. me Management
Set specific self-care goals. It’s difficult to follow through with vague goals, such as “I will take more time for self-care”. Instead, try something specific, such as “I will walk for 30 minutes every evening after dinner."
Make self-care a habit. Just like eating one apple doesn’t eliminate health problems, using self-care just once won’t have much effect on reducing stress. Choose activities that you can do often, and that you will stick with.
A few minutes of self-care is better than no self-care. Set an alarm reminding you to take regular breaks, even if it’s just a walk around the block, or an uninterrupted snack. Oftentimes, stepping away will energize you to work more efficiently when you return.
Unhealthy activities don’t count as self-care. Substance use, over-eating, and other unhealthy behaviors might hide uncomfortable emotions temporarily, but they cause more problems in the long run.
Keep up with self-care, even when you’re feeling good. Doing so will keep you in a healthy routine. Plus, self-care might be part of the reason why you’re feeling gooSelf-care varies from individual to individual. As a college student, there are specific aspects that are essential to prioritize for maintaining well-being. me Management
Self-Care Ideas
Physical Self-Care
- Ensure regular, balanced meals to fuel your body and brain
- Get enough sleep to support overall well-being and cognitive functions
- Incorporate regular exercise or body movement into your routine to boost energy levels
- Go to preventative medical appointments and seek medical attention (and rest!) when sick
Psychological/Emotional/Personal Self-Care
- Self-reflect and recognize any emotional needs
- Take breaks from work, school, and other obligations
- Learn to say "no"
- Maintain a balance between personal, academic, and social responsibilities/engagements
- Spend time outside and in nature
- Act in accordance with your morals and values
- Recognize the things that give meaning to your life
- Engage in relaxation and/or meditation practices (deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness practices)
- Express feelings in a healthy manner (communicating/talking, journaling, creative art)
- Do something comforting (watching your favorite movie, taking a bath, use scented lotion, sip hot tea)
- Regularly engage in personal hobbies and/ recreational activities
- Find reasons to laugh and seek out humor
Social Self-Care
- Surround yourself with people you make you feel good
- Keep in touch with friends and family who are far away
- Engage in stimulating conversations
- Do enjoyable activities with other people
- Foster new relationships and connections (smile when walking past someone, hold the door for someone, introduce yourself)