College life is exciting, challenging, and, letβs be honestβsometimes completely overwhelming. Between classes, exams, part-time jobs, and trying to keep up with your social life, itβs easy to let self-care slip through the cracks. But hereβs the thing: taking care of yourself isnβt just about bubble baths and face masks (though those are great, too). Itβs about finding small, realistic ways to recharge your mind, body, and soulβeven when your schedule feels packed to the brim. Weβll be diving into seven easy and practical ways to practice self-care in college.
Create a Morning Routine You Love
Mornings donβt have to be chaotic! Start your day with small habits that make you feel good, like meditating, journaling, or sipping your favorite coffee. A consistent routine can help you feel more grounded and ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.
Prioritize Sleep
Iβm sure youβve heard that a successful day starts the day prior. And it is very true. If you donβt prioritize sleep and go to bed late, then youβll wake up feeling tired. Late-night study sessions might feel unavoidable, but sleep is non-negotiable for your health. Aim for 7β8 hours of quality sleep each night and stick to a consistent schedule. Trust me, your body (and grades) will thank you.
Related: 5 Ways To De-Stress during finals week
Stay Active
Exercise doesnβt have to mean hitting the gym for hours, or even every day. Yes, there are countless of benefits you can get from working out. But if you donβt have the time (or energy) to hit the gym, there are plenty of simple ways you can stay active throughout the day. Take a quick walk, do a 10-minute yoga session, or try a dance workout in your dorm. Moving your body boosts your mood, relieves stress, and keeps your energy levels up.
I grew up thinking that to lose the weight or get the body of your dreams you had to hit the gym every day, but I have learned that your body actually needs to rest and recover in between gym sessions. I will write more about this, but now I only lift weights 2 to 3 times per week and I have noticed great results so far!
Learn to Say No
You donβt have to say βyesβ to every event, project, or invitation. Protect your time and energy by setting boundaries and focusing on what truly matters to you. Saying βnoβ can be empowering and give you the space you need to recharge.
Clean Up & Organize Your Room
Your room is your sanctuary, and a cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind (I feel like a mom while writing this, but it is so true). Take some time to tidy up, make your bed, and organize your things. You donβt have to go full Marie Kondoβjust a quick clean-up can create a calming and productive environment where you can focus and unwind.
Iβve found that dedicating 5 to 10 minutes to quickly organize my room every night before going to sleep helps a lot.
Related:Β The Ultimate Guide To Keeping Your Dorm Clean
Take Breaks to Recharge
Itβs easy to burn out if youβre constantly on the go. Schedule short breaks during the day to unwindβwhether itβs reading, listening to music, or hanging out with friends. A little downtime can do wonders for your mental health.
Limit Screen Time
Spending hours scrolling through social media can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. Not to mention, it can steal hours of your day. Set boundaries for your screen time by using apps that track usage or scheduling phone-free periods.
I went all in and deleted social media completely a few months ago. And I feel like I have so much time now to focus on things I love doingβlike working on this blog. Also, I feel more present and grounded.
Ask for Help When You Need It
College is tough, and you donβt have to face it all alone. Whether itβs a professor, a counselor, or a friend, donβt hesitate to ask for help when youβre struggling. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Hangout With Friends
Spending time with friends is one of the best ways to recharge and lift your mood. Whether itβs grabbing coffee, studying together, or having a movie night, socializing helps you feel connected and supported.
Schedule Me-Time
College can feel like a never-ending to-do list, so itβs essential to carve out time just for yourself. Whether itβs reading a book, meditating, or simply relaxing with your favorite Netflix show, scheduling me-time lets you reset and recharge without guilt. Remember: self-care is never selfish!
Fuel Your Body with Nutritious Foods
I laughed a little as I wrote this because the truth is, I ate like sh*t during my freshman year. It was tempting to get the fries and ice cream, but it is possible to eat healthy at the dining hall.
Yes, it can be time-consuming to cook, but your body needs real fuel to function at its best. Add simple, healthy options like fruits, veggies, or protein snacks to your meals to stay energized and focused throughout the day.
Practice Gratitude
Take a few moments each day to reflect on what youβre grateful for. Whether itβs writing in a journal or mentally listing three good things that happened, practicing gratitude can shift your perspective and boost your mood.
College is a whirlwind of deadlines, social events, and personal growth, but self-care is the key to thriving through it all. Remember, taking care of yourself isnβt a luxuryβitβs a necessity. These 12 ways to practice self-care in college are here to remind you that even in the busiest seasons, you deserve time to rest, recharge, and show up as your best self. Youβve got this!
