Inexpensive self-care ideas during this hectic season of the year

With finals season approaching soon, I understand that all the assignments are stressing us out, creating some space for unwanted negativity, and bringing us some nasty breakdowns. However, instead of locking yourself in and freaking out over deadlines, try to stay calm, and embrace your heart and mind by sparing some minutes of the day to relax. Here are some ideas of what you can do to free yourself from academic stress, and reallocate your energy for important tasks. 

1. Bullet journal

Bullet journaling is one of the best ways to reflect on what you have done and what you should do in the future, not just to relieve stress and anxiety. Bullet journaling is a gentle, artistic reminder of what you are in love with currently, and it’s also a safe place for you to imagine, create, and adore. Any size notebook, some packs of colors and stickers, along with a bold stroke black marker are all you need to start bullet journaling. Also, bullet journaling is a great way to start expressing daily gratitude, just write down three things that make you feel happy and cherished. 

2. Meditation/Yoga

Try out meditation/yoga if you haven’t! The art of allocating your strength and energy lies in meditation and yoga. It will be worth it to attend just one 2-hour session per week. You will not only learn just how to stretch your bodies, but also how to sit, walk, breathe, and exercise correctly. Just a reminder, DePauw provides Mindful Yoga on Mondays from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m., Wednesdays from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. at Lily Center, room 1019, and Meditation session on Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Center for Spiritual Life! No fees at all, just come and relax.

3. Read a book

Reading a book may sound crazy. Why should I read a book during finals? Textbooks are enough :) But textbooks are something you hate, and self-care is not spending time with something that doesn’t fit your mood and interest. There are thousands of sorts of books, which come with thousands of choices for you. Pick one that you feel interested in and read ten pages a day. Or simply skim through your favorite books from the past. Reading books help calm your mind, filter negative thoughts, and distract you from stress for a long while. You shall fill yourself with refreshments and optimism after reading.

4. Knitting

Practicing a new skill and getting yourself something as a reward for your efforts at the same time sounds great! Just like reading a book, knitting helps drag you out for a while from electronic devices and increases your concentration. You can get all the knitting tools for under ten bucks at Walmart.

5. Dorm-made face masks

Maybe stop using masks brought from Sephora or Ulta? Spend time making some instead! They are easy to make, cheap, and 100% safe for your skin. Try out recipes from Marie Claire and spend 10 minutes every evening making these before diving into any homework. Remember to take care of yourself before taking care of the assignments. 

6. DePauw’s Nature Park!

You can get to DePauw’s Nature Park anytime, and anyway. The view is fantastic, and find yourself a favorite spot before anyone else gets it. There are seats for you to sit and observe nature or do whatever you feel like doing. Doing homework there if you can, many surveys show that studying anywhere else other than your dorm is always more effective :)

7. Coffee-date

How long has it been since you went out for a coffee date with someone? Spend some time at Allegro in GCPA, Starbucks, Breadworks, TAP House, or Scoops! Coffee dates can be some time for you to relax, communicate, laugh, and renew your energy! 

These are just some suggestions that come to my mind, and you can try out other ideas that work with you! Always remember to self-love and wish you all nail the final tests <3 

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