As we all know, making the transition from high school to college can be tough. College comes with a new level of academic pressure that some of us have never seen before. Balancing social activities, workload, personal and academic responsibility can be a bit overwhelming. In the midst of balancing all of these we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves, putting self care as an option and not a necessity. Mental, emotional, and physical health are dependent on a great self care routine. Minor changes to our everyday life could make a world of difference when it comes to ensuring we are prioritizing self. Without one we are easily prone to burnout; anxiety and we cannot bring our best to the table academically. With prioritizing self-care, you will feel recharged, have mental clarity and overall, a better experience at life. Remember self care starts with self and if you are not at your best, you can’t give your best to anyone else!
To avoid these things, here are 6 simple tips on how to prioritize self care.
1. Self care does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. Simple things like a consistent sleep schedule or incorporating daily exercise can reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing.
2. Build a support system. Making new friends is part of the overall college experience and having a stable circle of friends can help combat feelings of loneliness and provide emotional support.
3. Have fun! Go to social events on your campus and take a break from your workload. Constantly working with no social interaction is a sure way to invite burnout in.
4. Limit your screen time. Constant news of what is happening in the world can cause mental fatigue. Too much of anything is never a good thing. Limited screen time can help you be more focused on the task at hand and stay in tune with the reality around you.
5. Don’t be too hard on yourself. As humans every single one of us has made mistakes, it is inevitable! Just breathe and take things day by day.
6. Asking for help when needed is essential. Self care isn’t always pretty and sometimes looks like crying it out in front of trusted family, friends, or counselors. Do not hesitate to ask for help if things are getting too overwhelming.