Embracing Self-Care: A Guide to Help You Be Your Best Self
We get it– whether you took classes over the summer or took a break, the prospect of starting a new semester means new routines and can feel both exciting and a bit overwhelming! With classes, assignments, and social engagements filling up your calendars, it’s important to pay attention to your well-being, too.
Understanding Self-Care
Self-care is not just a buzz word. It’s a practice that involves taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When you prioritize self-care, you become more resilient, focused, and capable of handling the challenges that come your way. As a student, it can be easy to prioritize your academic and personal responsibilities over self-care, but striking a balance is essential for long-term success.
Mindful Time Management
For many students, the start of a new academic year means you’ll be looking at a busier schedule. Proper time management can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Try to create a study schedule that includes designated breaks for self-care activities, like exercise, taking a walk around campus, listening to your favorite playlist, or enjoying a healthy snack. These things often get neglected when you feel like you are running from one thing to the next for work, school, or caring for your family and friends.
Healthy Habits
With the excitement and stress of being back in school, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits. But it’s important to pay attention to both our bodies and our minds. Nourishing your body with nutritious meals can boost energy levels and concentration, which makes learning easier. Even something as simple as grabbing a water bottle on your way out the door can be a great reminder to stay hydrated during the day!
And don’t underestimate the benefit of resources like therapy and regular doctor visits. Sometimes professional intervention is the best way for us to know what our minds and bodies need to operate at their fullest potential.
Hobbies and Interests
Make sure to carve out some time for activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s crafts, reading, exercise, video games, sports, or hanging out with friends, the truth is that engaging in the activities you love provides an outlet for stress and helps you recharge. You might even find a student organization or club here at Cincinnati State that can also help give you a sense of belonging and enrich your overall college experience.
It’s All About Balance
Balancing academic responsibilities, social engagements, and self-care can be challenging. However, setting boundaries and learning to say no when necessary is key for maintaining balance. As you step into the campus life at Cincinnati State, remember that self-care is a journey, not a destination. It’s about fostering a positive relationship with yourself and nurturing your well-being
throughout your academic journey. If you embrace self-care, it can help you thrive academically and also make the most of your time at Cincinnati State. Let this fall semester be a time of growth, learning, and self-discovery. Happy learning!