Practicing self-care combats stress
Barely two weeks into the semester I’m already finding it hard to stay focused and hoping I’m not the only one who can’t pry herself away from Netflix long enough to be productive.
While I plan to get organized and start cracking down, I’m definitely starting to see the merit in indulging regularly, especially during the dreary winter months.
It goes without saying that constant laziness is just as detrimental as all work and no play but a bit of self-care from time to time can help renew energy and drive.
Self-care can include just about anything an individual finds refreshing or indulgent (within reason, of course). Allowing yourself certain treats or activities can seem like it might derail your concentration but often it’s those little things that keep us motivated to keep up with our responsibilities, especially when they’re viewed as a reward for hard work.
For me, something as simple as 20 minutes of leisure reading before bed helps me unwind and gives me something to look forward to. In addition, taking half an hour each week to paint my nails or grab some coffee keeps me from having a stress-induced mental breakdown.
Though self-care can definitely be simplistic and light-hearted, it can also be important to attend to more serious physical and mental caretaking issues. For instance, making a doctor’s appointment for an issue you’ve been putting off for a while.
Many individuals, especially those already dealing with depression, anxiety, or other preexisting mental conditions, can be hit even harder by the winter climate.
Being cooped up indoors because of the shorter days and colder temperatures can really take its toll on even the most chipper of people. Counseling, meditation or other mind and mood-strengthening practices can be an important part of self-care that many people tend to overlook.
Despite the stigma that is sometimes attached to seeking counseling, keeping your mental health in the best place possible is a great foundation for organization and productivity in other aspects of your life.
Regardless, there are still those who will think, “My problems aren’t serious enough to warrant a trip to the counselor,” but, as my best friend often says, everyone can benefit from some counseling.
Self-care is mental in more ways than one. It’s not as simple as doing things you enjoy whenever you feel like it. Getting yourself into the mindset of self-care as a motivator and reward system helps increase productivity and can make those activities even more enjoyable as you let yourself fully participate in them.
Whether you choose to indulge yourself with simple pleasures like time with friends or a favorite meal, or through more serious measures like counseling or a new health routine, try to keep yourself in mind in the midst of the start-of-semester stress.
As for me, I’m ready to turn over a new leaf and get organized, self-care and all. Right after I watch a few more episodes of “Arrested Development.”
Nicole Blanchard is a junior majoring in Mass Communication.
