Ways to practice self care
When first entering college, many students tend to get lost in their studies and forget to set aside time for themselves. While college life can be very exciting it can become equally stressful and exhausting if you don’t balance school with your own health. Research shows that practicing self-care not only keeps you healthy but improves your overall well-being. Self-care means taking time to improve mental, emotional and physical health. Making time to try new things, test boundaries and reflect on who we currently are can help us improve ourselves. Self-care is a major part of learning how to deal with everything that is thrown your way during your college years.
Learn more: 21 easy ways to practice self care - College Magazine
Ways to practice self care
Sleep: Sleep is a way our bodies heal themselves and not getting enough can affect every aspect of your life. It can contribute to weight gain, depression, aging skin, and much more
Exercise: One of the best ways to re-energize your body is to simply exercise. Regular physical activity can combat against health problems, boost your energy, and even promote sleep. It may also increase your production of endorphins, the neurotransmitters that minimizes discomfort and overall brings your body into euphoria. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, general adults should strive for 150-300 mins of moderate physical activity or 75-150 mins of intense aerobic activity (per week). Whether it’s going out for a walk, running, swimming, or doing at home activities, you’re doing your body a favor. Don’t know where to start? There are many great resources online. For example, Chloe Ting publishes targeted exercises (abs, hips, arms, thighs, glutes, ect.) on YouTube. She even has her own website where she puts a calendar of different exercises you can follow! www.chloeting.com.
Healthy Diet: In college it is easy to ignore your bodies needs under the stress of all your classes however research shows that a healthy diet students are able to learn better when they’re well nourished, and eating healthy meals has been linked to higher grades, better memory and alertness, and faster information processing. Some of the things people do to maintain a proper diet are using diet trackers, preparing their own meals instead of eating out, and meal prepping.
Hobbies: Don’t let college take away your old hobbies! By making time to enjoy doing what makes you calm and happy, you can relieve stress and still hold onto what you enjoy.
Planner: A planner is a great way to keep track of not only your school work but also your daily tasks. It provides an overview of what your day is going to be like and helps you make note of anything you might forget later.
Go on trips: While college life is a big adventure in itself, sometimes it’s good to take a step back and experience something new. A weekend trip with your friends or even visiting family is a good way to refresh your mind.
Laugh: Have you ever laughed so hard that you couldn’t breathe? Do you remember how you feel to laugh? Well, it’s proven that laughing can relieve your stress and anxiety, relax your muscles, increase endorphins, and is contagious! When you laugh, you infect those around you! So call your friends or family and laugh together. You can play online games like Jackbox, Skribbl.io, Club Penguin, Roblox, Minecraft, Cards against Humanity, read a good book (here’s a link to read free books online!), watch Netflix together, download Just Dance on your laptop, and many more (try looking for apps on your phone you can play like Plato).
Listen to podcasts: You can listen to podcasts about virtually any topic. This is a great way to unwind, learn about a new topic, or keep up with current events while you are commuting or walking to classes, exercising, or during any down time.
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