Self-care can be as simple as taking a break some time or hopefully multiple times during the day to take a moment to focus on something that you enjoy. Self-care is best practised daily, which can help maintain your emotional, mental, physical well-being.
There are a lot of benefits to maintaining good self-care habits and can include
Reduced stress levels
Increased overall physical health
Better management of stress levels
Increased self-esteem
Improved quality of life
Increased emotional and psychological well-being
Increase in cognitive and executive functioning.
Some great ways to maintain self-care can include
Getting enough sleep at night, typically 7 – 8 hours
Trying to go to bed and wake up at a similar time each day
Exercise 3 – 5 days a week, for at least 30 minutes a day
Limiting your sugar and caffeine intake and focus on proper nutrition
Trying to drink enough water each day, typically 2 litres
Participating in relaxing activities such as a slow walk, meditation, stretching, mindfulness, or a bike ride
Taking a nap
Enough you maintain good personal hygiene
Calling or catching up with family or friends
Joining student groups or committees which you might enjoy
Take study breaks and plan out your studies, so you do not have to cram everything in at the last minute
Being able to say no if you're already too committed or it's something you don't think you'll be able to complete
Make time to do activities that you enjoy. Examples including journaling, puzzles, going to the gym.
Watching funny or light-hearted movies or television shows
Asking for help.
If what you've read has caused some concerns or worries and you'd like some support, you can call Lifeline on 13 14 11 at any time. They are available 24/7. Headspace also provides counselling and support in many forms for individuals up to the age of 25. If you're in immediate risk or someone you know is, call 000 to speak to emergency services.
References
La Trobe University. (2021). Why prioritising self-care is the secret to study success. https://www.latrobe.edu.au/nest/why-prioritising-self-care-is-the-secret-to-postgrad-success/
Salazar, W. (2014). 9 Self-Care Strategies to Reduce Stress. https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/9-self-care-strategies-to-reduce-stress-1029144
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash