Good self-care is key to a better mood and reduced anxiety,

 in addition to improving our performance in school and at work. 

It’s also essential for a good relationship with oneself and others.

Although college can be one of the best experiences for students, many struggle with prioritizing their time to include self- care. 

While your academics are extremely important, don’t forget to create time to take care of you. 

When you can't take care of you, everything else suffers.

Below are 16 ways to help you practice self-care to prevent burnout, stress, and physical illness. 

Select Things That You Actually 

Want to Do and Will Do

Self-care should not be a chore. It should be enjoyable and energizing.

Ask yourself:

• What makes me feel like the 'best me'?

• What makes me feel focused on life?

• What makes me feel balanced and energized?

• What makes me feel happy?

• What drains my energy?

• What negative thoughts and habits are getting in my way of doing things I want and need to do?

• How can I make the most of my mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends?

• What inspires me?

Use your answers to provide information about what self-care activities will work for you.  

For example: Adding an exercise workout of walking on the treadmill to your self-care plan when you hate the treadmill isn’t helpful if you aren’t actually going to do it. 

A better alternative might be walking the dog or following along to a fitness dance video.

You might use this time to:

• Catch up on reading

• Send a text to a loved one telling them how much you appreciate them

• Send a text or email to check in with someone you have been meaning to get in touch with

• Meditate

• Walk or practice some yoga 

"Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally, in the service of self-understanding and wisdom."

Jon Kabat-Zinn

You are more likely to feel more refreshed and happy after self-care if you are fully present for it. 

Meaning, focus on what you’re doing and leave your to-do list at the door.

If you ever went to the kitchen to get a baggie and found yourself looking in the refrigerator for something to eat (kitchen equals food),

you know that humans are creatures of habit, just like dogs alerting you that it is dinner time.

Creating a self-care routine that you actually do at regular times helps create a habit.

Thinking of goal setting, make some long-term and short-term self-care goals for yourself.

When you are experiencing something difficult or believe that something might happen,

Reach Out to your Resources!

You are not alone in sometimes needing help - that is why Pierpont has resources.