Feeling all messed up in juggling college life again? Or you can’t conclude how to balance your studies and self-care in all the hassle you’re in? You may find a proper plan and an easy-to-follow guide to prioritising your well-being in college here! It’s no secret that college can be stressful for many if not all. But you know it’s your golden time and fun too.
As a college student, while academic success is important, prioritising self-care is equally important. After all, taking care of yourself is critical to your overall well-being and can positively impact your college life. And what’s the single thing that may lead you to think about getting another chance to make your life easy on you? – yes, it’s the STRESS of your current problems.
According to a study by the American Institute of Stress, the stress in college students is prevalent today, as 8 out of every 10 students report coping with stress at unparalleled levels. In this blog, you’ll discover 10 simple and easy steps to prioritise your well-being in college.
Prioritising Self-Care isn’t About Being Selfish
Many of you may get the idea that prioritising your physical or mental health is to be selfish. But you need to remember that prioritising self-care isn’t about being selfish; it’s about taking care of yourself to be the best version of yourself.
Teenagers more often get caught in the hassle of entertaining social trends and demands of academic life and forget to prioritise their physical and mental health. Sticking to this routine and neglecting your physical, mental, and emotional health can lead to burnout, anxiety, stress, and depression in the long run.
Moreover, taking care of your well-being and practicing self-care is not a luxury. It is a necessity and an essential roadway to academic success. So, by staying healthy and finding ways to reduce stress, you can improve your college experience and overall quality of life.
7 Simple Steps to Prioritising Your Well-Being
The top seven simple and easy steps to prioritising your well-being in college are:
1. Put Yourself First
As a busy student, putting yourself last on the list of priorities can be easy. But the first step to prioritising your well-being is to put yourself on the top of that list. It means taking some time each day to do something you enjoy, whether reading, journaling, or binge-watching your favourite show on Netflix.
Self-care is different for everyone, so it’s important to identify what specific activities make you feel recharged rather than exhausted. So, as soon as you find the activities that best suit your interests, you can recharge and reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety by consistently “filling your cup” through these activities.
2. Surround Yourself with People you Love
Having the people you love around you makes you feel worthy, loved, and cared for. This ultimately boosts your self-esteem, morale, and sense of self-care. Managing stress can be particularly challenging for some students, but those with their support network around them better manage their college stress and hectic routine. So, it’s important to maintain connections with a supportive network that can motivate you and remind you why you chose to pursue your field of study, especially when dealing with tight deadlines.
It may also be helpful to take the time to reach out to your friends and loved ones regularly who make you feel good about yourself. You may also keep in touch with them by texting them regularly or occasionally whenever you feel like ranting about your problems or sharing memes and laughter.
3. Learn to Say No
You often feel overwhelmed and overcommitted; however, it’s important to remember that your mental health should always come first. Learning to say no can be a difficult skill to master for many students, but it’s essential to prioritise yourself and create boundaries for your own peace.
When you say yes to something you want to say no to, you’re putting other people’s happiness above your own, neglecting your mental health and well-being. Remember that you can’t please everyone all the time, and it’s okay to decline invitations or requests that don’t align with your priorities or values.
4. Prioritise Your Mental Health
Prioritising mental health is crucial in managing stress and leading a healthy and happy life. Yes, it’s impossible to eliminate stress from your lives completely, but you can prioritise your mental health through stress management and relaxation techniques to reduce its negative impact.
Relaxation techniques can be as simple as listening to your favourite music, taking a hot bath, or diffusing essential oils. These activities can help you manage stress levels effectively.
5. Don’t Compromise on Your Sleep
Quality sleep is crucial for both your body and mind to function at their best. Most college students who struggle with their part-time jobs put their sleep at the bottom of their priority list, leading to irritability, fatigue, and lack of motivation.
So, how to improve your sleep quality? – Well, this all starts with establishing a healthy bedtime routine. Additionally, avoiding caffeine a few hours before bedtime, reducing screen time, or meditating play a vital role in improving sleep quality.
Aim for a consistent bedtime and between 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night; however, this may vary from person to person. If you have a night owl roommate, consider using a sleep mask. Quality sleep has many health benefits, including improved mental function.
6. Adopt Healthy Diet
Taking care of your body through good nutrition and hydration is crucial to self-care. It’s also important to stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle with you. Try to avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks. Hydration is vital for maintaining energy levels and eliminating toxins from your body. In addition to good nutrition and hydration, regular exercise is also vital for overall well-being.
7. Last But Not Least – Love Yourself!
How can you expect anybody else to love you if you don’t love yourself? To truly care for yourself, it is essential to cultivate self-love and acceptance. Remember to embrace your unique qualities and focus on being the best version of yourself rather than getting caught up in society’s expectations or grades.
Give yourself the same compassion and understanding you would offer a friend. Remember that self-care is not selfish but an important aspect of leading a healthy and fulfilling life.
