By:Taylor Murdick (she/they), W*SS programming and events intern
As we enter our third week of classes, the work is beginning to pile up and the courses are increasing pace. While the heightened pace within classes may be refreshing to some, for others, like myself, it can be a time of stress. From meditation to sleep, I will be providing some tips and methods for self-care during the stressful college season.
As highlighted by Boston University, it can be hard to bring balance into one’s schedule, especially as many of us are balancing coursework, extracurriculars, social life, and work within itself. However, balance is an important part of self-care, especially to avoid burnout. As listed in the article, “8 Simple Self-Care Tips for College Students,” we need to strive for balance in the seven dimensions of our well-being, which include our physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, social, intellectual, and financial. For myself, I find it helpful to create a list of readings and assignments towards the start of the semester to make sure I stay on top of my work while also knowing how much time I can spend on my own self-care.
Along with striving for an overall balance in one’s life and schedule, seeking support when needed is also essential to self-care. Asking for help can be scary and anxiety-inducing for some, myself included; however, there are people and resources around you to help with different needs and to help cultivate one’s overall self-care or self-worth. Connect with a friend to support your well-being, as social interactions are beneficial to overall health! For additional resources like the Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS), the mental health and counseling resource on campus, please visit https://caps.msu.edu/resources/index.html.
On the contrary to the social self-care tips provided above, we need to make sure we are giving our body nutrients. Eating can be hard with our busy schedules, but grabbing a combo or snack between classes is essential to keep our bodies and brains functioning throughout the semester. Remember that your body is your vessel, and we need to make sure we provide nourishment to ourselves! If you are ever in need of a quick snack, Women*s Student Services has your back with our plethora of snacks, drinks, and other items. Additionally, for more nutrition support, the Nutrition Program at MSU is a resource for students that educates on eating competence – providing counseling sessions, outreach programming, and promotions of non-diet approaches to nutrition. To learn more about the Nutrition Program and the resources provided, please visit https://healthpromotion.msu.edu/nutrition/index.html.
Remember to take care of yourself this semester and please do not be silent when you need help!