How a college student diversifies her self-care 

With September being Self-Care Awareness Month and with school just beginning, I decided that I needed to reflect on my current forms of self-care. By defining what self-care means to me, I was able to recognize and look deeper into my specific routines. To me, self-care is making time for things that help me be my best self. Knowing that, I figured out that I need to hone in on each self-care habit, as they tend to specific needs I may have. Check out the new self-care habits I’m going to start including in my practice!

Gratitude Journaling

Journaling is something that I do here and there when I’m feeling inspired because it makes me feel present and productive. It was something that I didn’t intentionally make time for but rather, an idea I had in the back of my mind that I’d like to do more consistently. I decided that since this activity is something that makes me feel good, I will consistently start writing in my gratitude journal as a form of self-care. When I wake up, I recognize something I’m thankful for and write about it. Doing this first thing in the morning allows for a positive start to my day. When I’m getting ready for bed, I sit down and reflect, writing something else that I’m thankful for that day. Book-ending my day with gratitude has helped soothe my anxiety and implement a new-found confidence.

Daily Walks

I often get carried away with my day as I give into the chaos of the tasks I need to complete. Whether that be running around doing errands or sitting at my desk all day working on assignments. Most days I’m mentally tired, but have not met my physical needs that keep me at ease. By going on a walk everyday, I can decompress while also staying active. Depending on how busy my day is, I’ll either listen to 20 minutes of songs on Spotify or an hour long podcast. If I take an evening walk I like to listen to my favorite playlist or a new podcast to help wind down after a long day.

Meal Prep

For some, cooking can be seen as a hassle, something you might not have time for. I’ve been able to change my perspective on cooking, especially when it comes to meal prep. I’ve found a time when I’m not as busy (Monday mornings) and that is my dedicated time to play music and prepare a lot of different foods for the week ahead. What I do is prepare a variety of vegetables, grains, and proteins that I can pair in different meals throughout the week. These Monday mornings are not only my designated time to get my week organized and try out new recipes, but also a time where I can enjoy the peace during the prep. 

Take a minute to reflect on your routine and what is working to your benefit when it comes to self-care. Which of these tips will you add to your self-care regimen?