Four ways you can practice self-care

Self-care within the educational and vocational fields are finally becoming a greater part of the conversation within daily interactions with others. Individuals are finally recognizing the importance of mental health and where stress stems from. As a result, a break from the corporation culture of working through breaks, overextending oneself, and devaluing mental health is finally being made. Although it can be easy to fall into the belief that you have to constantly work to feel satisfied, your health is more important than the positional role or pat on the back it will provide. Check out the top four ways you can practice and better prioritize self-care.

1. Watch a TED Talk

Personally speaking, I am a huge fan of TED Talks. Not only are they just the right length to keep me engaged, but they constantly present new ideas that leave me inspired and ready to tackle my day. Instead of studying through your lunch hour, grab a few friends to watch a TED Talk with you, and be prepared to feel rejuvenated. There’s something fulfilling about being able to step outside of yourself for a brief moment and understand the ideas of others, and TED Talks help do just that.

2. Write something

Words are often a great way to release stress and help understand emotions when they can be blurred with overwhelming circumstances. Whether it’s writing a quick thank you note to your best friend or pounding your long-held emotions into a Word document that will be deleted later, words help clarify the ways in which we perceive the world around us. In a society that depends on holding in feelings, choose to be different by expressing them in an open and safe space.

3. Go for a walk

Sometimes in order to combat the stress you face, all you need is a quick walk outside. Changing the environment can help you get away from the current stress you feel, and come back feeling ready to tackle anything in your way. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the amount of homework or reading I have to do, I will often take a short walk outside to observe the world around me and to take a breather. In activism and student work, it can be difficult to remember what it is like to be a normal life with normal friends doing normal things; it’s almost to the point where the remembrance becomes uncomfortable. Our work should not define what we do, but rather serve as a reminder to our current action. Take a break from cubicle culture by immersing yourself in nature, even if it is just for a two-minute “bathroom break.”

4. Affirm yourself

The work of a student is hard, and often goes without appreciation or validation. Although it is nice to hear words of encouragement from outside individuals, you have to be able to internalize the fact that what you are doing is worth the effort you currently messages. This is a great way of reminding yourself that your work is not wasted. Remind yourself that your movement matters, and watch everything else fall into place.

How do you integrate self-care into what you do? Let us know in the comments below!