Winter’s right around the corner, and that means it’s the perfect time for self care. If you’re like me, and the colder months get you down, it’s important to put yourself first this season. Face masks are great, but not definitive of self care. Self care can be anything that has a positive impact on your mental health. So, here are my 5 cheap go-to self care practices.
1. Get a Plant!
Spice up your dorm with some greenery. If you’re looking to buy a plant and keep your wallet happy, I recommend Home Depot. Or, if you’re like me and can’t take care of a plant to save your life, Target has some great fake ones.
2. Clean your room
Seriously, keep your room clean. I live in a forced triple, and when it’s messy all of our moods are affected. Clear your heads and clean your rooms!
3. Read a book
There is literally a book out there for everyone. I’m a huge fan of taking some time to myself to read. Find what you like; explore different genres. I promise you there’s nothing better than discovering a book you can’t get enough of.
Personal recommendation: A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
4. Protect your alone time
This one might not be for everyone. But for me, I know I need alone time to recharge. Taking an hour or so to myself a day wakes me up. I’ve found that I actually get more out of hanging with friends when I’ve had time to recharge.
5. Go for a walk
Alone time in your dorm is definitely a form of self care, but there’s a balance. Get out of your dorm and take a walk every once in a while! Conn has such a beautiful campus, especially in the fall. Go to the arbo and look at the trees! Try doing your homework outside! Fresh air can cleanse the soul- try it sometime!
I’ve found that self care can mean a lot of different things, and some self care practices won’t work for everyone. The important thing is to find something that does work for you, and to choose your mental health before everything else.