"It's not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It's necessary." -- Mandy Hale

So often in our society, our schedules are overloaded with extra AP classes, SAT prep courses, soccer games, sorority events, and band performances. We put so much value on how all of these "extras" will look on our college applications, future resumes, and mental "life checklists" that we become too busy to enjoy it. We are human beings, not human doings. Learn to be where your feet are and enjoy the life without the constant running around. It's hard to make time for ourselves sometimes, so here are some tips on practicing self-care.

Take time to rest and rejuvenate regularly.

Having even 30 minutes a day to journal or take a nap, even read a chapter or two of your favorite book or going to the movies can help your body relax from daily stressors. Making rest an active part of your day-to-day life can help you function in a much more productive way.

Learn to say “no.”

This is a hard one and one that I struggle with on a daily basis. We all want to help and do and go and learn but sometimes (most of the time) you just can’t do it all. Learn what your limits are and how to say no to adding anything else once you reach them.

It’s not about having time.

We all have 24 hours in a day, it’s what we make time for in our day that sets us apart. A very wise man once told me that we make time for the things that are important to us, and that is so true. We want to do well on a test? We study harder. We want to invest in our relationship? We spend time with our spouse. We want to live a healthier lifestyle? We work out and eat healthy. Make having time for yourself a priority in your day, you won’t regret it.

Stop being mean to yourself. Seriously. Cut it out.

Negative self-talk is something so many people (literally everyone) suffer from and sometimes don’t even know it. I know if I was as mean to others as I am to myself, I wouldn’t have any friends. We are so critical and unforgiving of ourselves, especially when we compare ourselves to others constantly. Cut it out. Make yourself aware of the things you tell yourself inside your own head, you have complete control over that. Speak affirmations to yourself and shut out that evil twin version of you that only you see.

Slow down.

In an age where everything is high speed, full throttle, and Jimmy John’s fast, it’s easy to fall into the trap that you have to go 100 mph too. It’s a lie. So many times I talk to my friends and no matter if they are in high school, college, or in the work-force they all say the same thing: I’m just so busy. You have control over this. You are a human being. Not a human doing. Take time to actually be. Enjoy the season of life you’re in now, you won’t ever get it back.

It doesn’t have to be a big deal.

So often whenever I talk to people about self-care, they have this notion that they have to have a big free day where they pamper themselves and think about life. This isn’t true. While some people choose to make a day to rest and revamp for the coming week, self-care can be as small as making time to sit and drink your favorite cup of coffee. For me, I really love sitting in my school’s coffee shop with my favorite dark roast and reading the school’s newspaper. It’s my way to stay up to date on the university, get a little caffeine to help me function, and when I’m done I feel like I’ve done something I genuinely enjoy. It’s the regular small things that make a great impact on your body both physically and mentally.

You are worthy of self-care.

Just say this to yourself a few times and really mean it. You. Are. Worthy. Of. Self-care. It’s hard to believe sometimes, I know, but it’s true. You are a beautiful creation meant for so much more than just "business." Take time to love yourself and love the life you’ve been given.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take some time for yourself this week and see what an impact it makes for yourself and those you come into contact with.

"Est and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." -- Eleanor Brownn