Preparing for college can be an extremely stressful venture. It seems that whether it’s packing, dealing with financial aid, or simply adjusting to a new change, there is always something to be done. Whether or not this is your first time, one thing is certain -- you cannot wait to step foot on campus. However, once you’re all settled in, it can be easy to get lost in a sea of new faces as well as new responsibilities. This can become overwhelming, which is completely normal. During this hectic time in your life, it’s extremely important to find time to take care of yourself. It’s important to be on your A-game and there’s never a wrong time to treat yo’ self! So here are five tips to help you practice self-care while away at school:

1. Have a Go-To Playlist.

Nothing feels better than putting on pair of headphones and drowning out the stressors of your day. Music can be therapeutic and help improve your mood, as well as take your mind off of all these upcoming due dates for papers you haven’t even started yet. You can create a number of customized playlists free on Spotify, this means that you can finally have a “Man, I hope everyone bombed that exam too," playlist or the “Walking to class, please don’t talk to me,” playlist of your dreams. Listening to music is a great way to process your emotions in a healthy way.

2. Keep a Journal

Admit it, there has come one time or another where you’ve had a burning idea or thought and had no one to share it with. This is where keeping a journal comes in handy. You can write about literally anything in your journal. Whether it’s a rant about how the dining hall never has mint chocolate chip ice cream or a game plan on bringing your grades up this semester. You’ll always have a place to speak your mind and express yourself. Having a place to express yourself openly and freely is one of the most vital and fulfilling things you can do for yourself.

3. Have a “Me Day"

Having time to yourself is honestly the best, it’s the only time you can focus on the number one person in your life, you. Let’s admit it you’re a pretty big deal. Therefore, it’s only fair you have one full day dedicated to yourself. Having a “Me Day” can be as big or as small as you want it to be. If you want to dedicate a little extra time in the morning to yourself or bust out some new Yeezys, it’s all up to you. As long as you’re focusing on making your happiness, you’re doing something right. Having a day dedicated to yourself can really boost morale and emphasize just how important you are. Learning to value yourself and your interests are huge milestones, not only in a college setting, but in life as well. So, go ahead and plan your next “Me Day”.

4. Lend a hand.

Even the smallest of actions can impact someone’s day. At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide how you impact the lives of others. A big part of self-care is interaction and the parts of yourself that you give to the people around you. Showing compassion to the people around you can really make a difference in their day and even their life. Whether it’s walking a fellow classmate to their dorm at night or surprising your floormate with an iced apple cider from Dunkin’ Donuts, you have the ability to make others feel good. By positively affecting another person, you have bettered yourself by showing compassion and empathy. So lend a hand when you can, it’s a win-win.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

College can be a challenging time in life. However, the good news is that you’re not alone. It is important to stay informed of all campus support services that are offered. These services are included in the tuition you pay. So, utilize them as you need them. If you’re going through a rough time, don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend, professor, roommate, or an RA. All cheesy jokes aside, self-care is not something that has to be solitary and is not something you have to do by yourself. The more the merrier.

College is definitely a new chapter in life, it might seem exciting and scary all at once. But at the end of the day, the experience is yours and yours only. You have the power to decide how these years affect you and you owe it to yourself to make them the happiest and healthiest possible.