There are two words we hear in college that we don’t really take seriously: self-care. We’re heading toward midterms, motivation is slipping and it’s getting harder to find ways to stay focused (hello – Spring Break is on the horizon!), and between school and jobs, energy can run pretty low. So, what would this ‘self-care’ everyone talks about even look like?
Catching (more) Zzzz’s
Okay, so maybe not groundbreaking advice, but still absolutely necessary when it comes to your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults ages 18 to 60 years old need to get seven or more hours of sleep every night. The reality? Most students receive between six and seven hours, which is close, buttt not quite enough. If we’re going to put our best foot forward and rise to the level of success we’re all working toward – this is crucial. So, challenge yourself and try it out for 13 days to see if it becomes a habit. If anything, it’s a challenge that will benefit you in the long run, so go ahead and give it a go.
Eating Healthier
You’ve heard it once, and you’ll hear it again: eating healthy makes a world of difference. And, to be clear, we do mean [e a t i n g] healthier – not skipping meals. Think about it, eating healthy will increase our energy level, clear up our skin, and make us feel better overall (GOALS goals goals).
Check out Palms Dining’s daily menu to use the meal calculator and the menu filters so you can hone in on what’s available for your needs and preferences. And if you’re not sure where to begin – don’t sweat it! Our campus dietician is available to eliminate the mystery of healthy eating and accommodate your dietary needs. Contact our campus dietician today at askthedietitian@aramark.com.
Working on Your Fitness (We’ll Be Your Witness)
Alright, we won’t really be your witness, but YOU get it. Exercising is so important for your overall health, so working it into your schedule is a must. Let’s be honest though, ‘exercising’ can seem intimidating, especially if we haven’t exercised in a while. This is why it’s important to remember the many activities that count as exercise (i.e. taking a stroll around campus, playing soccer or frisbee on the Front Lawn, playing intramurals, and any activity at the Campus Rec such as swimming, basketball, group fitness, and weightlifting). You could even get with friends to check out the challenge course behind the rec! And if all else fails, just grab an accountability partner, pick one activity, set a goal, and take small steps each week to reach your goal. #Teamwork makes the #Dreamwork✨
Having ‘ME’ Time
Be selfish. Take care of you. You can’t expect to perform at a high level, make your best grades, stay on top of your schedule, and be a valuable member of any organization you’re in if you don’t stop to think about you. Maybe that means scheduling time to read a book or a blog, take a walk with a friend, or journal to reflect on everything that’s going on in your life.
While you’re working “you” time into your schedule, be mindful of everything you are putting on your plate. If you commit to something and it makes you feel anxious, do yourself a favor and relieve yourself of that unnecessary stress. Most of the stress and anxiety we have comes back to things we can control, so keep that in mind and take care of yourself first. *mic drop*
R E L A X I N G
The Counseling Center is amaaaazing when it comes to helping you decompress. It offers many services for you to de-stress during hectic times in the semester, and there is even a meditation room and a sensory room that you can stop by to enjoy. And did we mention that its services are FREE?! So, go ahead and check it out. You can thank us later.
Finding a Balance
In the end, it’s all about balance. That will look different for everyone, so don’t compare the way you’re balancing everything to the way someone else is. Know that you’re doing great, and you will make it. In order to do that though, you’ve got to put yourself first sometimes and lean on a support system that will keep you accountable and get you through the rough days. We all have those – it’s true – but we can limit those with a little organization and, dare we say, SELF-care.