5 Self-Care Strategies for College Students

Whether you're taking classes online or in-person this semester, working from home, parenting, or balancing a bit of everything- there is no denying that it has been difficult foremost to maintain some peace of mind this year. As you gear up for the upcoming semester, here are some of our self-care tips to help you mentally and physically prepare to transition into your Spring classes with ease.

1. "Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Everywhere. 
Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Do Your Share.

Wait, what? Cleaning for self-care sounds absurd, but try to stay with us.

Take a hint from everyone’s favorite purple dinosaur, Barney, and “clean up!”
Starting to remember The Clean Up Song yet? Whew! Talk about a flashback.

There’s nothing more refreshing than the feeling of a clean space. Grab your broom and
get ready to sweep out the old to bring in new energy for fall in your home and life. Doing this will allow
you feel more organized and revitalized as you enter and exit your home daily. This is also a great time to stock up on sanitation products and masks so that you can keep yourself and those around you safe! 

Can’t find any sanitizer? Try making your own with this DIY Sanitizer Recipe.
Also, be sure to remember to wipe down surfaces regularly, including your phone!

Pick a weekend to deep clean and remove any clutter that could prevent you from being

your best self. Most people tend to perform better when they have a clean space to live and work. It might
even be helpful to customize a study space solely for completing schoolwork and other assignments,

especially if at-home learning is part of your school plans.

*Hint: Steer clear of the couch or working in bed to increase your productivity.
It’s way too easy to catch some z’s in both of these locations! ;)

2. Make Time to Kick-It With Your Crew

Self-care doesn't always have to mean ALONE.

Don’t let the school year slip away without spending some quality time with the people you love! Yes, of course, you can and should still do this while practicing safe social distancing. Keep your relationships intact by touching base through social media and in small and safe groups in-person. Host a themed virtual party with your crew, where you can watch a movie together, play games, or just enjoy seeing each other’s faces!

Need some more ideas? Look at these 9 Social Distancing Activities for inspiration.

3. Detox from Social Media Just a Bit

Put your phone down, but not quite yet. Do it after you finish reading this article! ;) 

In today’s world, news is abundant and right at your fingertips. Constant news combined with personal concern for

the well-being of family, friends, classmates, and/or colleagues— Sometimes, it can just feel like too much.

While it is important to stay informed, overconsumption of news and social media can significantly impact your emotions, and sometimes a digital detox is just what you need. 

“If you’re not creating, you’re consuming,” said Dr. Jason Huett, Associate Dean of USG eCampus, when encouraging his kids to monitor their screen time. If you’re a content creator, then yes, you too need breaks from the creative process. 

Designate a time each day to consciously put your phone down and take the break you know you need. Try it for just an hour or two, and you may be surprised at the emotional weight that is lifted from your shoulders. Those Tik Tok videos and status updates will still be there whenever you decide to pick it back up ;)

*Hint: Try leaving your phone in another room or far away from your bed, so you are not as tempted to check it so frequently!

4. Show Yourself Some Much Needed Love 

For your mental health and self-care, you deserve to have one last good time before finals start and the new school year begins. 

It can be easy to neglect taking care of yourself, especially during these unprecedented times, because something is always coming up or taking priority. Between studying for exam season, Zoom calls for work, and keeping the kids occupied at home, it can sometimes be hard to find time for a shower, let alone a spa day! Don’t ever feel ashamed for pressing pause and stepping aside to take care of you.

How can you expect to take care of others if you’re draining your own battery?

With that in mind, go ahead and decide on a day that is simply for you. Maybe not at the actual spa (hello, social distancing),

but you can always treat yourself to an at-home spa day or even just an afternoon in the park, where you can just relax and

soak up some fresh air. 

If you’re a foodie with a sweet tooth, get to bakin’ with our eCore Owl Cupcake Recipe!
Journal, paint, dance, or do whatever feels good and makes you happy.

Need some more ideas to get started? Use these Relaxation Techniques. 

5. Conduct an Emotional Inventory

Let’s be honest— 2020 has been… a lot so far.

Think about when January 2020 felt like the longest month ever in history. It rained cats and dogs through February, and high-tech umbrellas became essential fashion staples. By March, the grocery stores were booming with customers on the prowl for sanitizer, toilet paper, masks, and cleaning wipes. #MasksOnPlease. 

Since that time, the Coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted our way of life in every way. In addition to the pandemic and quarantines, there has also been great pain and tragedy felt across the country and the world leading to social unrest that has undoubtedly contributed to your emotional stress.

Our country, and you as a student, are carrying an extreme amount of emotional weight. As you prepare for the upcoming semester, you may be feeling abnormally heavy and overwhelmed, and you should know that you are not alone.

Your thoughts, emotions, battles, and conversations are meaningful. You are seen. You are heard. 

While the events of the last year can be a lot to process, it helps to be patient and show grace both to yourself and others. Take this time to do a true inventory of your feelings, and seek outside help if needed. The end of one semester and beginning of another is a great opportunity to do a mental “well-check” and talk through what you’re feeling so that you can approach your new classes as the best version of you possible.

There are several virtual counseling options available, particularly for college students.  Consult your institutional website for information on student counseling resources available to you at no cost. 

If you’re not quite in need of professional services, but are still feeling emotionally drained, ry out these Calming Techniques to help re-ground yourself during these highly stressful times.

We understand that the stressors in your life will not magically disappear with the end of your current classes. However, we encourage you to take some time to reflect not on society as a whole, but on yourself. Reflect on where you are in your personal and professional journey. Think about all that you have accomplished thus far, and visualize all that you will go on to do. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

By Mia Fanning

Media Contact:

Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu