Prioritizing Self-Care in College: A Students Guide to Becoming Your Best Self By: Haley Maider

It’s a Wednesday night, and you have two assignments due on Thursday, along with a quiz you haven’t studied for, a presentation you need to prepare for on Friday, and an exam the following week that you need to start studying for. Meanwhile, you’re trying to eat a balanced diet, go to the gym a few times a week, meet a friend for lunch, and you haven’t called your mom in days. To add to that, you’re supposed to attend your roommate's birthday party on Friday night and wake up the next day to go to your school’s football game. It looks like you’re pulling another all-nighter. Your schedule is simply too packed, so you have to choose one thing to sacrifice, and it looks like an 8-hour sleep is out of the question. Balancing academics and social life is difficult as it is, but what about time for yourself?

Here are some self-care tips from one stressed college student to another, to help you become your best self physically, mentally, and emotionally:

1. Put yourself first. It’s okay to put down the books for your wellbeing! Take breaks when necessary to prevent burnout. No letter grade is worth more than your mental health.

2. Fuel your body! Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet to fuel your mind. Try to eat three meals a day, and don’t forget to hydrate!

3. Make a new playlist. Listening to music has been proven to reduce stress and improve one’s mood. Try creating a study playlist to help with memorization tactics! Classical music is beneficial for concentration.

4. Practice meditation, gratitude, and mindfulness techniques. Set aside time to destress. College life can get stressful, so don’t forget to take time to focus on the present.

5. Explore new hobbies. Find an outlet aside from academics! Hobbies help foster creativity and are a great way to relieve stress.

Self-care is essential for overall health and can

improve academic performance. Take some time for yourself this week and try out these tips!