Self Care Day Tips
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
We all know by now that prioritizing your mental and physical health is a must, but it’s definitely easier said than done as students. At this point in the semester, we’re probably all more than a little tired and in need of a break, so I’ve compiled a list of five tips to help you make the most out of your days off.
Don’t Feel Pressure to Do Anything
When I get a true day off, I always feel tons of pressure to get in a workout or finally practice a hobby I’ve been meaning to get into or read a book to make the most of the time that’s finally my own. But the pressure to do that can make these activities that are meant to be fun just another stressor. Sometimes, it’s most rewarding and productive to simply give yourself permission to do nothing more than watch movies or take a nap. There’s no way to waste a day off.
Self Care Can Mean Bowls of Fruit or Donuts
On a similar note, self care can take so many different forms. This really just comes down to listening to yourself about what you really need at the moment. Sometimes, self care means getting up and cleaning your space, eating nutritious food, and moving your body. Other times, it’s having cake for breakfast, journaling, and staying in bed all day. Both are totally valid and important in your own ways, but if you try to force a method based on what you feel you should do, you’ll just be left feeling unsatisfied.
Be As Comfortable As Possible
This is one tip that is universally true no matter what kind of day you’re planning. Pull out the sweatpants and baggy T-shirt or the perfectly coordinated pajama set, but if nothing else, make sure that your clothing and environment is as comfortable as possible. This will make it easier to relax and truly feel rejuvenated by your day off.
Stay True to What Makes You Happy
The idea of self care has been commodified in the last few years into bubble baths, painting your nails, sheet masks, yoga, and drinking tea. All of these ideas can definitely be fun and a great choice if they suit your personality, but none of these are necessary steps. I often find myself feeling pressure to conform to self care activities that I’ve seen online and in magazines, even when they don’t align with my own priorities, just for the sake of feeling like I’m doing it right. Really, though, the only way to get the most out of your day is to do what makes you feel happy and refreshed. Try making your own list of activities that always leave you feeling better than when you started to use as inspiration when you’re struggling for ideas.
Give Yourself a No School Rule
This is the tip I personally struggle with most. I’m always doing schoolwork, whether it’s late in the evening after all of my classes or on the weekend. I honestly have no boundaries when it comes to working on assignments. Over the semester, though, I’ve slowly started to realize the value in completely letting go of the obligation to work on assignments or stress about school at least one day every week or two. Until I started implementing this rule, I didn’t realize how much extra stress and guilt I was having on days off when I didn’t have time to do something for school. Getting true distance from my identity as a student on my days off helped me start to form a healthier school-life balance that has made a major impact in the second half of my semester. While college is important, it by no means should be your entire life, and it’s important to give yourself true breaks every once in a while.
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