Whether you are an incoming freshman, or a returning student - this semester is going to be different than anything we've ever had to do before. In a year that has already caused such a sharp incline in anxiety and stress, navigating campus during the time of Covid (as well as tumultuous social issues) is going to be hard on all of us.
It's important to take steps to care for ourselves emotionally, but whenever we're stressed it can be even more difficult to think of things that will make us feel better. Here is a list of activities to do whenever everything starts to feel a bit much:
Try new outfits with the clothes in your closet.
Have a mini dance session to get your blood pumping.
Go for a walk.
(A counselor explained to me that walking and other activities that make us use our right and left sides breaks up patterns of thought and helps ease stress!)
Make a to-do list, and put the three most important things at the top.
Leave positive comments on social media.
Do deep-dive research on a topic that interests you.
Watch DIY Youtube and TikTok videos.
Take a warm shower.
Make yourself a cup of tea or drink you really enjoy.
Declutter your personal space.
Do some light yoga or stretching.
Meditate or practice mindfulness.
Allow yourself time to watch a movie or your favorite TV show.
Journal and jot down your feelings.
Listen to a podcast.
Take a drive to discover a new part of your town.
Schedule and plan out the rest of your week.
Pamper yourself with a manicure/face mask/bubble bath.
Relax outside.
Put on clothes that make you feel confident.
Create a mood board on Pinterest.
Use essential oils and aromatherapy.
Let yourself simply rest.
Spend time with a friend.
Make a playlist of songs that lift your mood.
Self-care isn't selfish, and making time for yourself should always be a priority. Take as little or as much time as you need to recharge so you can keep moving forward as productive as ever.
