Carolyn Hogg

Staff Writer

Ceh5530@psu.edu

Feeling weighed down by stress and responsibility? Especially around mid-semester when workloads become increasingly intense, it may seem challenging to intentionally carve out the time to care for oneself. 

Even though it may be one of the last things on the to-do list, allowing yourself the space to tend to any mental, emotional and psychical needs can do your overall health an incredible service. Here are five loving ways to engage in self-care. 

1) Firstly, an essential component of caring for oneself includes tending to the physical body. While this can easily fall to the back burner when school demands are on the rise, it’s still incredibly important to be getting a sufficient amount of sleep, engaging in basic physical exercise and eating healthy foods. Even if the exercise is something as simple as taking a walk or stretching the muscles, moving the body can revitalize spirits and rejuvenate the mind. Additionally, even though it’s tempting to rely on unhealthy comfort foods when stressed, consider practicing self-care by eating the foods that help you feel great about yourself.

2) While it may seem simplistic, it’s also extremely beneficial to maintain basic hygiene practices. Sometimes when we’re stressed we stop doing basic practices that make us feel healthy, such as flossing, showering regularly, doing laundry, or cleaning our rooms. Returning to previous hygiene practices is a simple way to regain control over life, boost confidence levels and provide some much needed self-love.

3) Another effective way to care for oneself includes dedicating a portion of the day to doing something you absolutely love. This doesn’t have to be a large time commitment; carving out even a few minutes each day to foster joy in yourself can alter the course of the entire day. Consider going for a walk, listening to music, dancing, reading a book, watching a movie or talking to a loved one. If it’s conducive to happiness – and doesn’t interfere with classes – then it may be worth doing.

4) Similarly to doing things you love, be sure to take study breaks every so often to refresh the mind and release some stress. These breaks may include doing something joyful, as discussed before, or they could consist of quieter and more relaxing activities. Consider allowing yourself moments of rest through grounding practices like meditation or breathing exercises.

5) Lastly, especially during a time of increased social isolation, it is more important than ever to practice self-care by fostering relationships. Maintaining a social life is integral to overall wellness, and while it may seem challenging now, it’s still important to find ways to connect with friends and family. Set aside time to talk with loved ones on the phone or in-person and consider getting/staying involved with friends on campus. Many students are currently struggling to uphold active friendships, so reaching out can be a meaningful way to not only care for your own social needs but also the needs of others.