Let’s face it: college is hard. For the first time in your life, you’re entirely on your own, and while that freedom can feel like a beautiful breath of fresh air, it can also be a bit daunting. The task of forming a healthy schedule that can help your mental, physical, and social health to flourish may feel impossible at times. But fear not; burnout doesn’t have to be imminent, and self-care can be way easier than face masks and bath bombs. Do these ten simple tasks every day to make sure you’re taking care of yourself the same way that you’re taking care of your grades.
1. Eat!
It sounds simple, but sometimes something as simple as going to the dining hall can be difficult to cram into your busy schedule. It’s easy to skip meals and ignore your hunger cues when you’ve got chemistry lab or philosophy homework on the brain, but just like any other organ, that brain needs fuel to function. If you let your nutrition fall to the wayside, your grades will soon follow. Make sure you’re eating a balanced three meals a day at the least to ensure that you have the energy to do the things that matter to you.
2. Have an intentional conversation about how you’re doing.
This could mean calling a friend from home. This could mean scheduling a coffee date. This could even mean going to therapy. Whichever route you choose, the best insurance for your mental health is simply talking about it. Never underestimate the power of a good vent session. People care about you, and you should care about you, too.
3. Get moving.
There are so many ways to get active in a university setting: intramural sports, fitness classes, and new areas to explore on runs. Even just strolling across campus is a good way to keep your blood pumping and your body healthy. Never spend a full day crouched over homework in the library without complementing that time with a little bit of exercise.
4. Wash your face and brush your teeth.
It sounds simple, but hey, sometimes after those late night study sessions or raging Friday nights, the simple things feel like chores. No matter how much you don’t want to, carry out your routine nightly to ensure that your physical being is in tip-top shape.
5. Organize your planner.
And if you don’t keep one yet, it’s time to take a trip to Target! Having a planner takes all those messy due dates and compiles them into one solid place. It’s the best way to ensure that you’re not missing anything, be it a school or social event. (And you can use gel pens and stickers to make it super cute!)
6. Tidy up your room.
Those dishes piling up by the sink? It’s time to wash them, sis. And while you’re at it, straighten up your desk and make your bed. Studies show that neatness in your workspace increases your productivity, so keep your area nice and clean if you want to be at your peak!
7. SLEEP.
I hate to break it to you, but no, caffeine is not a replacement for sleep. And once you get into the habit of pulling all-nighters, your sleep schedule will be all out of whack in the blink of an eye. Late nights and early mornings have to happen sometimes, but when you get the chance to take a nap or turn in early, take it!
8. Sit outside.
There are so many beautiful places on campus to sit and take in the fresh air. Spending time outdoors is a great mood booster, and it can be fun to spice up your study routine by taking things outside once in a while!
9. Do something you’re passionate about.
Go to a club meeting, talk with a professor about a subject that interests you, or spend some time researching a long-term goal. This time of your life is the best time to explore the things that you love and decide what you love enough to make into a living. Don’t ever forget about the little things that get you excited; you’re never too young to make a legitimate change or to fuel a new lifelong flame.
10. Breathe.
Whether it’s first thing in the morning, right before you go to sleep, or even just a fifteen-minute study break, take some time to yourself to decompress. Meditate, journal, or paint, if that’s your speed, or even just spend a few minutes scrolling through Instagram to give your brain a breather. Remind yourself that everything is going to be okay, and you’ll figure it all out. Relax.
Stick to this list when you’re plotting out your day and you’ll be sure to stay in optimum school semester shape!