How to Practice Self-Care When You Have No Time
I think everybody can agree that at UChicago, there's always work to do. It never really ends, and there's never enough time in the day to get everything done. And so most of us forget to take a break or take care of ourselves. We all need to practice Self-care. First of all, what actually is self-care? It's a term that people like to throw around, especially in the continually growing wellness industry. Self-care isn't just lounging around or taking a bath, doing your nails, but rather It's about finding ways that make you the most productive and happiest version of yourself. Therefore, self-care should become part of your daily routine. You should do something for yourself every day, even if it's just taking 5 minutes to sit and breathe before you go to bed or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Self-care is nothing new it's just been neglected even Audre Lorde famously spoke on it in 1988, saying, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare."
1) Workout
Book an appointment at Ratner! Or if that's not for you, try a zoom yoga session that is offered by UChicago Wellness
If you're still not into the UChicago fitness options, there are other things out there besides Chloe Ting workouts on youtube
Download the Nike training app, which offers free workouts. Everything from yoga, strength or HIIT
Do some Pilates- youtube or Melissa Wood Health
2) Mindfulness
As Cliche as it sounds, it's actually SO NICE to just take 5 minutes every day to sit and breathe and do nothing
Meditation apps like Calm or Headspace are great
You don't need these apps, though; you might also just consider putting some calm music on and taking 5 minutes to relax
3) Facemasks
do a face mask every once in a while, they stay on for like 10 minutes, and then you can get back to doing whatever work you have, but you will feel clean and refreshed while doing so
I highly recommend loops beauty face masks!!
4) Make a playlist
Music can literally make everything better
5) Eat some dark Chocolate
It can help prevent heart disease.
Boost your mood
alleviate stress
Good for your brain
Regulates Cholestoral
Etc...
5) SLEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!
6) Put on clothes that make you feel good
7) Scented Candles
I know they aren't allowed in dorm rooms, but everybody else who isn't currently in housing should put on a candle in the evening to make late-night study sessions a little bit better
8) Desk Stretches???
Do these between zoom classes.
9) Manage the little things and be able to prioritize
10) Drink water
11) Breathing exercises that the New York Times claim "help reduce stress, increase alertness and boost the immune system."
These are just some ideas, and obviously, everybody is different, but I think the key is finding ways that can make you the best version of yourself. When it comes down to it, Self-care is just as (if not more) important than that essay due on Friday.
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