What is Self-Care for Students?

When you go to university, it can be a very exciting chapter in your life. Not only is it a great opportunity to challenge yourself academically, but you’ll meet lots of new people and likely make life-long friendships during these years. You’ll also learn a lot about yourself, as these can be very transformative years as you learn to live independently away from home. 

While all of these things can be very positive, there are points where university might become overwhelming, whether it’s pressure from studying or burning the candle at both ends. This is why students need to practice good self-care, and here is a quick guide to help you do this.

What is Self-Care?

Self-care covers both your physical and mental health, and it is a practice anyone can do at home. It’s how you can take responsibility for your well-being and everyone should know how to do this properly. 

Some key parts of self-care include taking the time to relax and perhaps even practicing some mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress. These include activities like meditation, journaling, or even arts and crafts that can help you feel more soothed. Sticking to a good sleep cycle can result in you feeling refreshed, and eating healthy meals are also part of this routine. You might also find that getting out of the house to get some fresh air can improve your mood and energy levels, too. 

Why is Self-Care Important for Students?

Self-care is important for anyone at any age, but when you are juggling commitments to your studies and perhaps even taking on a part-time job, it can be easy to find yourself struggling to keep up with these demands. This is even more challenging if you are also trying to keep up with social commitments. 

While it is important to spend time with friends or family as part of your self-care and maintain good relationships, trying to take on too much is not good for you. This is why you need to read articles like our own that address the answer to “what is self-care for students?” and learn how you can incorporate this into your daily routine. 

Where Can You Get Help for This as a Student?

If you do find yourself struggling as a student with your mental health, then there are some options for you to explore. A lot of universities will have counselors on campus to help support their students with mental health struggles, particularly if it is related to problems they are having with their courses or other academic issues. 

You can also reach out in person or online to an NHS GP who can point you in the right direction for mental health services or give you more self-care tips. It is important to make the most of these services if you are struggling so that you can move forward to a healthier, happier lifestyle overall.

If you are a student who is starting to feel overwhelmed, you might want to think about your self-care routine and how you can make improvements. Use these tips and look into further resources to make sure you are getting the right support.