Being a college student is thrilling, but very stressful. It’s important to remember to be kind to yourself as you grow, change, and heal throughout this period of your life, as it demands a lot from you.
The years you spend at college are a time of adjustments and expectations. On the other hand, they are also a time of adventure and great promise for the future.
If you’re looking for ways to practice self-care, give these self-care techniques a try to help unwind during your college years (and beyond). Please keep in mind that these methods are simply suggestions and should not be used in place of seeking professional help when needed.
Know when to take a break
It’s always a good idea to take a break if you feel overwhelmed or pressured, whether you’re in the middle of a study session or at work. You won’t be able to learn anything or be productive if you push yourself beyond your limits when you’re not in the proper state of mind. Doing so may make you feel worse in the end.
Don’t be afraid to take a break! You’ll thank yourself later for doing so.
Hanging out with friends
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Sometimes the best therapy is getting together with a friend and catching up on each other’s lives. Having a reliable support system you can rely on is important. Making plans to meet up, talking on the phone, or creating a group chat with friends and family can be extremely helpful when you’re not feeling like yourself. Having a conversation with a friend or family member might help you relax and take your mind off all your worries. Perhaps you can even find a solution to whatever’s been heavy on your mind after taking a step back.
Schedule in some time just for you
While the previous method is all about making time to spend with friends and family, it is just as important to set aside some time for yourself. Making time for yourself is another important way to practice self-care.
During this time there is absolutely no need for you to do something extravagant or even productive. You can literally just sit on the couch and just watch TV Or maybe you’d rather spend your time pampering yourself by getting a pedicure or going to a bookstore and just simply browsing through the shelves. Whatever it may be, scheduling some downtime to decompress is essential for maintaining our mental well-being.
Get enough sleep
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We all knew this one was coming, but it’s VERY true!
Balancing school, work, and life itself can be difficult. It can even be harder to manage if you’re not getting the right amount of sleep (which we all know is at least seven hours). “But coffee will get me through the day!” you might say to yourself. Okay, but in the long run it’ll become a habit, leaving your body not in its best state.
For those who are night owls, make time to take a short nap or two during the day, that way you can be better focused when studying or working later at night. However, don’t try to pull off an all-nighter just throw your whole sleep schedule out the window.
Eat healthier
No, we’re not going to say drop the bag of chips and pick up an apple instead and call it day. Just like finding balance between our school and social lives, there should also be some balance in our eating habits. There is no need for you to deprive yourself of your favorite snacks and sweets, so long as there is balance to it.
If you’re not the best cook or are looking for recipes that are easy to follow, then you should definitely check out Kwoowk on TikTok. Kwoowk has so many delicious and easy to make recipes targeted for college students!
Listen to music
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Listening to music is one of the easiest ways to unwind. Music has various therapeutic advantages, including lowering anxiety and depression levels, improving one’s mood. Create a playlist filled with your favorite songs that can get you out of a funk and listen to it when you need to!
While these methods can be helpful, it’s important to recognize and act when you need assistance from a professional. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) strives to promote community wellness and self-awareness through mental health services. Their services for CPP students include short-term therapy, groups and workshops, yoga, and more. For more information feel free to contact them at (909) 869-3220 or visit their website here.
These are just a handful of the many ways you can practice self-care as a college student. How do you practice self-care? We’d love to hear your methods! – tag us @asicpp on Facebook , Twitter, or Instagram!
