For many students, their academic life provides a great opportunity for personal growth; however, taking care of one’s physical, emotional, and mental health is often swept to the side. It’s important to remember that finding ways to prioritize wellness and self-care is not only beneficial for academic performance, but also for building a robust foundation of wellbeing. In this article, we’ll look at the ways in which wellness and self-care can be incorporated into student life in order to lead a more balanced life.
1. Cultivating Wellness and Self-Care in Student Life
As college students, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the things going on in our lives. Keeping up with all of our classes, extracurriculars, and internships can be incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Here are some tips for cultivating a healthy mindset and lifestyle that will help you prioritize your own well-being, even when your schedule is hectic.
1. Set realistic goals. College can be a great place to challenge yourself, but it’s important to remember to set attainable goals. When you set goals that are too high, you are more likely to become discouraged. Instead, try to focus on smaller, achievable goals that will move you towards your larger goal over time.
2. Take breaks. Make sure to give yourself some breaks throughout the day. It can be important to take a few minutes to step away and just do something that you enjoy. Whether it’s reading, getting a snack, or calling a friend, taking breaks to recharge can give you a great platform for the rest of your day.
3. Make sleep a priority. Without an adequate amount of sleep, you will be unable to perform your best in all areas of your life. Try to prioritize getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night and avoid bringing work to bed. Establishing a routine sleep schedule is an important way of cultivating wellness.
4. Eat a healthy diet. Eating healthy is not only important for physical health, but mental health too. Eating foods high in nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins can help us to focus better and have more energy throughout the day. While treats are fine in moderation, try to focus on having balanced meals.
5. Implement stress management techniques. Stress is a natural part of student life. To help manage stress, it can be helpful to incorporate stress relief activities such as journaling, meditation, yoga, and listening to music into everyday life. Making time for self-care is an important way of staying emotionally and mentally balanced.
2. Learn How to Balance Academic Work with Self-Care
It’s no secret that succeeding in academia requires a well-balanced lifestyle—or rather, balancing academic commitments with the necessary self-care activities that will ensure we stay healthy and motivated can be a challenge. Here are a few things to keep in mind in order to keep a healthy balance between the two:
- 1. Make sure you get enough rest
Maintaining adequate amounts of sleep each night is essential for doing your best work. Aim for at least 7–8 hours each night, and don’t underestimate the power of taking daytime naps if you’re feeling particularly tired.
- 2. Prioritize your work
Understand what tasks you need to be completing for your studies, and figure out which of these take precedence. If you make a plan, you can ensure you don’t get overwhelmed and end up slacking off on important tasks.
- 3. Allocate time for yourself
We all need to take some time off every day to relax and unwind. Make sure to set aside some quality time for yourself—whether it be having a cup of tea, listening to music, or reading a book.
- 4. Exercise regularly
Physical activity can help make us feel energized, clear our minds, and even improve our cognitive performance. Try engaging in some form of exercise, such as running, yoga, or strength training, a few times each week.
- 5. Fuel yourself properly
Providing your body with the right nutrients is essential for maintaining a healthy balance. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and drinking lots of water throughout the day.
By following the tips above, you can help ensure you stay on top of your studies while taking care of yourself. Always remember to stay mindful of your own health and wellbeing—it’s absolutely essential for achieving academic success.
3. Identifying and Managing Stressors in College Life
Surviving College
The transition from high school to college can be a difficult process. Not only are students faced with a new academic system, but they must also contend with the stress and increased workload. To make university life more manageable, it can help to identify what kind of stressors are present in college life:
- Time management: Balancing the need for sports, rest, study, and social activities can be challenging
- Financial concerns: Managing money and taking out loans can cause worry
- Homesickness: Missing friends and family can lead to stress
- Academic pressure: Exams, grades, and the pressure of meeting expectations can be overwhelming
Once identified, it’s much easier to tackle these stressors head on and manage them more effectively. There are several strategies for doing so:
- Time management: Make use of a planner or calendar to prioritize your tasks. Break down larger projects into more manageable pieces. Take regular breaks throughout the day to destress.
- Financial concerns: Prepare a budget of needs and wants. Speak to financial aid counselors if needed.
- Homesickness: Stay connected to family and friends through phone calls and online chats. Reach out to other students who understand what you are going through.
- Academic pressure: Take advantage of free tutoring or peer-learning programs. Speak to school counselors if needed.
College life can be overwhelming, but being mindful of the stressors can help to reduce pressures and make college a more enjoyable experience.
4. Discovering Your Unique Self-Care Routine
Regardless of everything else going on in your life, one simple thing you can do for yourself is discovering what your unique self-care routine should be. Everyone’s needs are different, and everyone has different ways of recharging their own battery. Here are a few strategies to help you find your own path to feeling refreshed and energized:
Give Yourself A Spa Day
Indulge in a little (or a lot!) of pampering and relaxation. Draw a hot bath, complete with candles and soothing music. Spend some time with a face mask or even a body wrap. Massages are also popular; try a scalp massage during a break to reduce stress and increase relaxation.
Engage in Physical Awareness
Try different physical activities, like yoga, kickboxing, walking, or swimming. It doesn’t matter what kind of activity you choose – the important thing is that you find something physical that brings you joy. Set aside regular time in your day to do something you enjoy that will make you feel energized and relaxed.
Connect With Nature
Nature is an effective stress reliever. Taking a walk in your neighborhood after a long day at work helps you unwind and can provide a much-needed break. You can also encourage mindfulness with a simple hike in a nearby park. Bring a journal along and write down your thoughts on what you experience.
Create a “Me-Time” Ritual
Set up an environment where you can practice self-care, like a cozy corner in your living room or a peaceful nook in your bedroom. Stock it with items that make you feel positive and relaxed. Create a ritual of soaking in a warm bubble bath, drinking hot tea, or reading for 15 minutes before you turn in for the night.
Self-Reflect
Take some quiet time to self-reflect each day. Whether it’s meditating for a few minutes or journaling to check in with your inner-self, deepening your connection to yourself is an important part of self-care. Make note of challenges and successes, worries, and dreams in order to gain valuable insight into yourself.
Determining your individual self-care routine is a journey. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for you. With a little experimentation, you’ll eventually find out what activities restore and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Student life can be a daunting journey with its numerous obstacles and sacrifices. But with proper wellness and self-care, this journey can be made much easier and enjoyable. With the right tools, you can develop traits such as resilience, mindfulness, and acceptance that will help you create a greater sense of balance and emotional awareness. With self-care comes empowerment. Knowing that you are equipped with the right strategies to stay healthy and in control of your own life, is a beacon of hope, no matter what you’re facing.
