SELF CARE STRATEGIES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Most college students don’t put self-care at the top of their to do lists.  It’s easy to ignore a task that doesn’t come with a deadline and  that task is simply “taking care of yourself”. Embrace the excitement and intensity of college life, but remember that maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional health is essential to your success and well-being. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, don’t punish yourself by pushing your mind and body to their limits. Instead, take time out to take care of yourself with some of these self-care strategies.
 

• Get Away for Some Alone Time

 If you live with roommates, privacy can be hard to come by, so  try   to find a peaceful place on campus to call your own. A  corner in the library, a shady spot in the quad, and even an empty classroom are all perfect places to retreat and recharge.  

 

• Take a Mindful Walk Around Campus

When you’re going  to class, try this mindfulness exercise to center yourself and destress.  As you walk, pay close attention to your surroundings. Feel free to people-watch, but pay attention to sensory details too, like  the sensation of pavement under your shoes. Take note of at least some  beautiful or intriguing things you notice along your route. You might find yourself feeling a little calmer by the time you reach your destination.  

 

• Smell Something Soothing

  Essential oils and room sprays will make your dorm room smell heavenly and improve your mood. Try lavender for a calm, stress-relieving effect or peppermint for an energizing boost.  

• Sleep   well

   

  Your mind and body need consistent sleep to operate at optimum levels – you simply can’t do your best work without it. 

  Things That Could Help You Sleep Better

•  Stop using all technology 30 min before bed- no cell phone- no lap top- no kindle.  The light block melatonin which can help you fall asleep.  A 30 min wind down with relaxation and reading (a paper book) can make it easier to fall asleep.
• No caffeine after 3 PM.
• Sleep only an hour longer during the weekend than your latest weekday  wake up time.
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• Download a New Podcast

Take a break from the books, grab your headphones, and listen to some laugh-out-loud comedy. Tuning into a conversation that has nothing to do with college life gives your brain a break from its daily stressors. There are thousands of podcasts covering almost every subject imaginable, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.
  

• Get Moving

  Just  lace up your sneakers and go for an afternoon run. Try a group fitness class at the campus gym. Set aside 45 minutes for the activity that gets you pumped to get moving. If you’re feeling too overwhelmed by your workload to make time for a workout, remember that even a quick burst of exercise will boost your mood and increase your energy. 

• Don’t be Afraid to Say Yes OR No

If you tend decline fun-sounding invitations because of your heavy workload, remember the value of taking a break, even when you have a hectic schedule. If, on the other hand, you tend to say yes to everything that comes your way, remember that it’s okay to prioritize your own needs by saying no.  

• Have an Off-Campus Adventure

 Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to put yourself in a new environment. Make a plan to get off campus and explore your surroundings. See a movie,  or go to a park. If you have access to public or campus transportation, you can go even farther afield. Getting away will remind you of the great big world that exists beyond your college campus. Take time to enjoy it. 

• Last  and  most  important   thing  in  self  care  is  Nutrition.

 
A healthy diet is a big part of any successful self-care plan. Nutrition has been linked with emotional, physical, and cognitive health.  Eating a healthy diet gives your brain and your body the vitamins and minerals needed to stay well.  

 

Your diet affects:

• the brain neurochemistry that controls mood and response to stress
• the way your brain and body interact
• the higher brain functions that control learning, memory and intellectual functioning
•  Tips  for  healthy eatingEat small and frequent meals. Small and frequent meals can help prevent you from getting too hungry, which can lead to overeating. This approach also feeds your brain a steady supply of glucose which helps to keep cravings at a minimum.  
  Keep a regular meal schedule.  Eating on a regular schedule can also help prevent you from getting too hungry, help you to plan for healthier meals, and help you get a good night’s sleep. 
  SELF CARE