College Kids Guide to a Healthy Life: Self-Care
Sometimes as college students, we forget to take care of ourselves. Luckily, here is a College Kids Healthy Guide to Life.
This week I will be talking about how to take care of ourselves mentally. Now, I am not a professional. This is only from personal experience and research that I’ve done.
As stated by the National Education Association, more than 60% of college students suffer from mental issues. I unfortunately belong in that category; however, that doesn’t stop me from trying to live my life in happiness.
When I first came to college, I prioritized my grades and social life over taking care of myself. I became extremely depressed, and I was anxious all the time. However, with lots of therapy and self-care, I devised a few ways to balance school and myself.
Ask for help. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but of strength. When you have come to the realization that you can’t do it on your own and reach out to someone, it shows that you are serious about taking that step to help yourself. USCA offers many great resources for students. And to top it off, they’re free to use!
The Counseling Center is a great way to talk to someone about what’s going on, and they will give you tools and tricks to help with your mental health issues.
The school also has a Center for Student Achievement where students can learn how to balance school and life. I have used both resources and both were able to help me get back on the right track.
Take a self-care day. We all know that sometimes we wake up and don’t feel like doing anything. However, instead of staying in bed and watching TikToks, maybe try to do something that brings you happiness.
For example, a spa day. There is something about taking a nice, hot bubble bath and drinking tea that just hits different. And for my more masculine friends, maybe take a hot shower and play some video games. Giving yourself time/a day can give not just your body a break, but your mind. Allowing yourself to slow down will allow you to catch up with trying to balance everything you have going on.
Make a new hobby. Sometimes when I feel like I'm doing the same thing over and over again, I try to learn something new.
For example, I tried embroidery. Was it hard? Yes. Do I suck at it? Of course. But it allowed me to do something creative to calm my mind. So, if you want to learn how to cook, look up some recipes. Want to do something creative, look on Pinterest. The possibilities are endless, just have fun with it.
Gym time. OK, before any of you say anything. I hate working out too, but it has been proven to improve not just your physical health but also your mental health. It doesn’t mean that you have to go hard in the gym. Just enough to where you feel comfortable. I know from personal experience that when I worked out, I felt better about myself. I looked up a workout schedule on Google and did it. It’s that easy. Plus, the USCA gym is free for all students, so how can you pass that up?
There are so many more ways to take care of yourself, all you have to do is find the one that is right for you.
