Make Self-Care a Priority
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Midterms and exams are in full swing, and students are becoming increasingly stressed as the desire to excel increases. With stress and the hardships of coping with it, many students find themselves not attending to their personal needs. However, when self-care is not addressed, it is difficult for individuals to function properly , which is often due to a lack of sleep, a lack of fluids or the absence of a healthy diet.
What is Self-Care?
Psychologists continue to conduct studies on self-care and have discovered that self-care is ultimately a struggle. The demands of a college education have become exponentially rigorous, which makes it difficult to stay on track. Self-care is anything that is deliberately done to take care of one’s physical, mental and emotional health. Good self-care is key in reducing stress and anxiety. It can also lead to a better mood and increased motivation. Self-care must be something that you plan to do rather than something you hope to magically improve on.
Some Benefits of Self-Care
Better productivity. When you make time for yourself and purposefully attend to your body's needs, your goals come into sharper focus and you will have a better time focusing your attention on single tasks.
Protection against disease. Your body needs time to rejuvenate after a long day, and getting enough sleep has been shown to help the body build its defenses against illness.
Enhanced mood and self-esteem. Meeting your personal needs means that you are putting yourself above all external factors and activities. When you avoid things that negatively affect you emotionally and physically, you increase your own contentment and self-worth.
The Essential Checklist
Although people perceive self-care differently and have their own ways of managing it, here’s a general checklist that most can follow:
Stick to a healthy, nutritious diet. With college comes the freedom to do almost anything you desire, and that applies to eating. Foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits and vegetables, are known to boost energy and help the immune system fight illness.
Get enough sleep. Students typically need seven to eight hours of sleep nightly. According to Harvard Medical School, sleep plays a role in consolidating memory and improving attention span, both of which are essential to performing well in school.
Drink plenty of fluids, primarily water. Water plays a huge role in the brain’s production of cortisol, which is a hormone released during times of stress. Drinking enough water will help keep that stress from exceeding.
Meditate or practice relaxation exercises. Whenever you feel like there’s too much on your plate, take a break – even if it’s for 10 minutes – and try to do something to slow down. Some helpful activities include breathing exercises, yoga and visualization, which is when you form mental images of a peaceful place or event. Taking a bath is also an effective way to relieve stress and stay calm.
Exercise. According to a study published by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, physical activity releases endorphins, which act as painkillers and can be helpful in fighting the symptoms of stress. In addition to being good for physical health, exercise is good for emotional wellbeing. Working out delivers nutrients to the brain, which helps with improving mood and relaxation.
Even as homework, assignments and exams pile up, taking care of yourself is crucial for your emotional, physical and mental well-being. Self-care is important for maintaining a healthy relationship with not only others but also with yourself, which is known as self-love. Don’t put self-care off for the weekend just because you have something due this week. Start listening to your body today so that you can begin a regular cycle of self-care. It won’t be long before you see the differences you will reap from your new routine and lifestyle!
