The past two semesters have been the hardest to endure in my entire academic career, and I feel most students would agree with that statement. The entirety of my sophomore year was beyond difficult, and quite honestly, I believe I have not retained much from most of my classes. However, I did learn that when struggling academically, maintaining my mental health was key to academic success.
Self-care is one of the most important aspects of our lives that we must maintain if we want to live happily, healthy and successfully. It’s easy for us students to get caught up in classes, work, outside activities and whatever responsibilities that we must tend to. But we must remind ourselves that we must make the time to take care of ourselves.
For instance, I’ve created a daily self-care routine to start my day off feeling relaxed, nurtured and cared for. I wake up, spend time with my dog and cat, workout, complete my skin care routine, and take my time getting dressed and prepping for the day. On either Sunday or Monday nights, I take a soothing bath with a new scented bath bomb, light candles and sip some hot tea to calm my mind for the week that will unfold.
However, self-care doesn’t only have to be about taking a bath or working out, it can be about whatever it is that centers one’s mind and brings inner peace. For some it’s fishing, getting nails done, playing video games, hanging out with friends, etc.
Remember, self-care is more than important, it’s essential, and keeping up with it is key. It sounds easier said than done, but once you sit down and figure out a set time or day to dedicate to self-care, it becomes easier to make time.
If your past academic year was like mine, let’s both vow to make a change for the better this semester, academically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.