5 Ways to Take Care of Yourself: For Students and Workers

Is this self-care, or an excuse not to care? As much as the internet champions self-care, I think this is worth asking. It’s hard to find balance between resting too much and not resting enough!

Rest the right way to ensure that your mind and body are ready to work hard when the time is right. Here are 5 unique ways to rest:

1. Plan your leisure. Put leisure into your schedule. I usually give myself about an hour a day of leisure that I plan. This could be anything from reading to scrolling, and that’s not including 5 minute breaks throughout the day.
2. Journaling.

On the right is a full journal. On the left is an empty one. Behind them is a stress-relief candle that has not relieved any stress, but at least it smells good!

There’s no sight more beautiful than a used journal.

3. Spa day. The second I become a doctor, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’m going to invest in better skincare (and write it off as a business expense– gotta look cute for my clients, right?). In the meantime, though, DIY spa days are just as good. Last night, my three sisters and I painted our nails, did face masks, and caught up on each other’s lives.

because purple is the color of royalty

I usually hate painting my nails, but it’s a great way of pampering yourself, and so nice to hear your nails clack against the keyboard.

4. Do something that gets you in the “flow” state. “Flow” is a term that was coined by a famous psychologist; it’s where you lose track of time and fully absorb yourself in whatever you are doing. For me, this is either reading, editing a video on Final Cut Pro, or writing.

5. Exercise. I would be remiss if I didn’t include my favorite form of self-care. But, I didn’t always love it.

sponsored by a lumptastic shirt and guest-starring my favorite mat

When I was 15, I remember googling, “how to lose weight without exercising”. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise, and shortly after reading that, my 15-year-old self decided to listen. It was one of the best decisions I ever made! Exercise releases endorphins, and as Elle Woods would say, “happy people just don’t shoot their husbands!”. Exercise also makes you live longer. As of today, I have no desire to lose weight, but I love exercising; it reliably boosts my mood and makes me a happier, more optimistic person. The days when I am most in need of self-care are the best days to exercise. Self-care days are also the days to use only the equipment you like in the gym. The best form of exercise is the one that you actually want to do.

Rest well so you can work well!