College is an exceptionally overwhelming time in our lives. Our schedules get crazy very quickly, with class, homework, clubs, work, leadership, and our social lives becoming all jumbled together. It can be very easy to let ourselves get lost in all of that madness and stop taking care of our bodies, minds, and spirits in the ways that they deserve. I was recently reminded of how important it is to take care of yourself. As silly and "duh" as that sounds, you'd be surprised how easy it is to let yourself down.

Aside from the obvious "get enough sleep, eat the right foods, exercise every day," there is so much more to self-care. Self-care is a series of habits that become a lifestyle that ultimately leads to more positivity and calmness in your life. I sat down the other night with the intent of writing some sort of poem about self-care, but this is what I came up with instead.

Learn to be okay being alone, but revel in the noise when you feel like you can.

Don't stay too quiet for too long, you'll forget the sound of your own voice.

Ask for help when you can't quite pull yourself back up. Don't be afraid to look down at the darkness; it'll remind you to keep pushing toward the light.

Stay true. Try not to waiver. Trust yourself. Believe in your power. Don't be scared to speak your truth.

Believe in second chances, be grateful for third, try not to need a fourth.

Speak clearly. Listen attentively. Be bold.

Don't laugh if it's not funny.

Be intentional in what you do, but don't get too scared to be occasionally reckless.

Smile at strangers.

Hug the people that you love and never be the first to let go.

Don't carry matches; you'll be tempted to burn what you cannot fix.

Take a warm bath. Sleep it off. Take a walk along the ocean.

Breathe deeply. Think slowly. Act deliberately.

Be kind to everyone that you encounter, but remember that you don't have to give respect to those who don't reciprocate.

Believe that you can be whatever you want to be.

You are kind, you are strong, you are resilient. Never forget that.