Self-Care Tips for Students

If you’re a high school or college student, you’re just about at the halfway mark of the school year. First off, congrats—you’re almost there! Secondly, let’s talk about how to keep yourself going for round 2.

It’s easy, especially at the halfway point, to be feeling tired, worn out, overwhelmed, and even….grumpy! So it’s a good idea to understand the concept of self-care and how to implement it so as to assure you remain your best self for the rest of the academic year.

Below, check out some important ways to keep yourself at the top of your game throughout the year.

Sleep: Being consistent with your sleep patterns can help to keep you healthy and happy. While it’s certainly tempting to stare at your phone or tablet into the wee hours, you’ll be happier and more alert if you turn off your devices before you turn in. If you’ve ever been exhausted, you know what an unpleasant sensation it is, so don’t underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep.

Exercise: Staying active is key for a healthy mind. Regular exercise, three times a week for a least thirty minutes per session, is recommended for optimal physical and mental performance. For students, it can be tough to fit this into a schedule that’s already bursting at the seams, but the results will outweigh the inconvenience and your body and mind will thank you.

Nutrition: It can be harder than it sounds, particularly for students who are up at the crack of dawn, but a little thing like eating breakfast is so important for a successful day. A similarly little thing like staying hydrated is key as well, as is minimizing stimulants like coffee, especially after 5 pm. Making nutrition an integral part of your day will help you to maximize your performance.

Socialize: Part of taking care of yourself is keeping your interests engaged. Joining clubs, hanging out with friends, and stepping out of your comfort zone by trying new activities can all help to keep you happy and fulfilled. While “alone time” is sometimes needed, socialization can help keep life balanced and interesting.

Time management: Organization can reduce stress and help keep things manageable. Using a planner or calendar is a good way to ensure you get stuff done in a timely fashion, allowing you to relax and decompress when tasks and assignments are done.

Scheduling your social activities as well as laying out your whole week on Sunday will pave the way for staying ahead of deadlines and reducing undue stress and worry.

Substances: In both high school and college, students face pressure and temptation regarding alcohol and other drugs, so it’s vital to be aware of the risks attached to use. Once you understand the problems associated with substance use, it will be easier to minimize or abstain from them, keeping yourself healthy and focused.

Social media: It’s becoming more and more apparent that overuse of social media leads to unhappiness and other negative effects on our mental health. Reducing time spent on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter can help you to focus on the important stuff rather than on “keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s also worth adding that considering your own content is also important.

Remember that you’re putting out data for all of the web to see, so be mindful of what you share.

Resources: We don’t always like to ask for help, but sometimes it’s necessary. You have at your fingertips many school and community resources if you’re struggling to maintain a healthy life balance.

Counselors, tutors, teachers, and other community members can help you to practice self-care and to achieve a happy and healthy life.

Written by Phil Lane

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