Between trying to balance classes, exams, activities, your personal life, and everything in between, it is often easy to overlook the importance of your mental health as a busy college student. As a student myself, I know that in the midst of college life, it’s usually necessary to have to prioritize tasks and strategically plan out your day. While it might not always be easy or even feel convenient at times, making sure you are taking the time out of your day to focus on your mental wellbeing by practicing self-care can help in managing stress, staying focused, and helping to avoid burnout!
Below are three tips to work to practice self-care:
*Disclaimer: These tips are not and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a medical professional.*
1. Find and utilize your “anchor”:
An anchor is anything that helps to keep you grounded and firmly planted (https://findyouranchor.us/About). Your anchor can be anything: from an activity that inspires you to your favorite food. My anchors are listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Once you have an anchor, you can then utilize it as a way of recharging and practicing self-care! Listening to music and spending time with family and friends both bring me joy and are important and essential parts to how I practice self-care. You can request a free Find Your Anchor mental health box here.
2. Schedule and set aside time for self-care in your day:
With a busy schedule, it’s often easier to plan and set aside time in your day that is solely intended for practicing self-care. Choose a designated day, time, and time frame that works for you and try your best to not schedule anything else during the pre-planned time you’ve set aside. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries for yourself in regard to your time!
3. Set a goal:
For myself, I have found that I’m more likely to stay consistent at doing something if I set a goal for myself. In regard to working to consistently and regularly practice self-care, choose a goal that can be expanded on as you meet each one. For example, you can set a goal of scheduling 10 minutes at least 2 times a week to focus on self-care. Once you meet your goal, you can then add onto it by scheduling 10 minutes at least 3 times a week, and so on!
Practicing self-care is not a selfish act and is something we all need to maintain an overall healthy mental well-being! Though it may be challenging to find and carve out time during a busy semester, doing so can help you recharge and de-stress.
