The Importance of Self Care
Listen, college is hard. Having a busy schedule and no time to even think about what is happening is inevitable. The stressful and hectic lifestyle of a college student makes self-care even more important. When it comes to mental health, it is so important to make sure that you are taking time out of your day for yourself. College is a lot and we are all in this together, so here are some of my favorite self-care tips that I find most beneficial.
Making Your Bed
Making your bed has been proven to improve mental health. Every morning as soon as I am done pressing snooze, I get ready and make my bed. Not only does it tidy up the room, but it is an accomplishment...a little bit goes a long way for me. It is a great start to the day because you have already accomplished one thing, what else is going on in the day that I can tackle too! It starts the day off on a productive note, it creates a sense of accomplishment and productivity. Getting up and making my bed reduces my stress too. Making sure the area around me is uncluttered makes it clearer in my head. My environment is a direct influence on how I am feeling, an organized mind is how I try to start my days. Listen, my room is tiny, one pillow on the floor already has the ground cluttered. So honestly it is a two in one special. My bed is made, and my floor is clear.
Getting Ready
I am a very laid-back and casual person, so getting ready is something I do not spend much time on. However, I have realized it is so important. Taking 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes at night to really just pull yourself together and regroup is so possible. Often, I have realized I rush to get ready. I have laid in bed for too long, or rush at night because all I want to do is get under the covers and go to sleep. But if you take a step back, and really slow down and take the time for yourself, it is so nice. It is the part of the day where it is just you, and it is giving back to yourself. As I said, I am a very low maintenance person, but a couple of weeks ago I started blow-drying my hair once a week. Only once, and there was such a difference in how I felt. I felt not only more put together and presentable, but I felt like I did something for myself that day. I do not know why it is so hard to take 15-20 minutes for ourselves, but let me tell you those few minutes work wonders. And it does not have to be blow-drying hair, it can be putting on a cute outfit, doing a skincare routine, taking a bath, anything in regard to bettering how you feel.
Reading
I have had a rediscovery of books. I think reading gets such a bad rep, and that reading is weird or boring but, it is amazing. Yes, some general is not as good as others, but that is all personal preference. I have been reading so much recently and it is a game-changer to my mental health. I fall victim to social media affecting my self-esteem and how I view certain things which I am not proud of. Reading is a great hobby that is harmless. It does not play a negative role in my mind, where I am continuously comparing myself to others. Reading is another form of escape, just like social media is. Except, I would say reading is a healthier escape. And if you do not like reading, try an audiobook or podcast! They are great ways to learn about new topics and news, or even just listen to a soapy novel!
I think, all in all, it is important to live life. Find the things that work for you and do them for as long as they keep you happy. Find something you love to do, try to be productive, and be positive. Let yourself live and live in the moment. Find ways to destress and have fun. College is fun. This is when we are supposed to learn about ourselves the most. So chill out, love yourself, and have fun.
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