Being a student can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute you’re excited, the next you’re feeling overwhelmed or burned out. Juggling school, work, mental health, and your social life is tough, and it’s easy to feel like there’s a never-ending list of tasks to complete. So how do we combat stress and anxiety when there are so many pressures around us? Today, we’ll explore six strategies for student self care. 

“Self care” is a buzzword that you’ve probably heard on many occasions, but what does it actually mean for someone with a packed schedule like yours? At its core, self-care is about tuning into yourself and participating in activities that support your physical and mental well-being. It can include a variety of practices, from staying hydrated and eating well, to meditating and getting enough rest. However, managing these self-care goals can sometimes feel like an added task on top of the piles of homework and essays you’re already managing.

To help you navigate self-care in a way that fits into your busy schedule, here's a list of flexible and practical strategies that can support your path toward achieving your personal goals.

1.Establish a Routine

Establishing a weekly rhythm can be a game-changer when you’re juggling school, work, and a variety of other tasks and relationships. Your routine doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, it can be as simple as getting up early  to move your body or saving Monday afternoons for chilling on the couch and binge-watching your favorite show. The key is that a routine gives you something to depend on, helps you stay on track, and can pull you back to center when things get chaotic.

To build your routine, start by writing down your key responsibilities, any time commitments, and personal goals that matter to you. Then, put them into your calendar or planner. A solid routine not only helps you feel more in control but also makes decision-making a lot easier.

2. Stay Connected

Another important part of self-care is staying connected with the people who matter to you. Building a support network and keeping in touch can help you stay grounded and provide you with someone to talk to when you need it. Maybe calling your parents on the way home from class makes you feel more relaxed, or FaceTiming with your best friend every Thursday night helps you de-stress and catch up. Maintaining these connections is super important for sharing experiences and having the support you need.

3. Practice Self-Evaluation

How do you know when you're drifting off course? Do you have any personal red flags that signal it's time for a check-in? Setting up a plan for self-evaluation is a key part of self-care and helps keep you on track. This might involve simply assessing your eating and drinking habits for the week, tracking your sleep patterns, or ensuring you're taking care of your personal hygiene.

But it’s not just about the basics. A self-evaluation can also dive deeper, ask yourself if you’ve felt fulfilled this week or how your happiness levels are shaping up. Keeping a journal of these reflections can help you stay connected with your well-being and spot areas for improvement. It’s like having a wellness check-in with yourself, giving you a clear picture of where you stand and what changes might be beneficial.

4. Healthy Social Media Consumption

A key aspect of self-care is figuring out how your environment, especially your social media habits, affect your mood. It’s important to pay attention to what you’re consuming online and how it’s making you feel. For example, do you find yourself feeling drained after scrolling through TikTok for half an hour? Is doom scrolling messing with your productivity? Or does following that cute corgi’s Instagram make your day better?

Staying aware of how social media impacts your stress and overall mood is key to managing your mental health. If you notice certain accounts or content aren’t doing you any favors, don’t hesitate to block, unfollow, or hit "not interested." It’s all about curating a feed that supports your well-being.

5. Figure Out How you Study Best

Studying is pretty much the biggest gig you have as a student, and finding a routine that works for you can cut down on stress. Here’s how to figure out what works best for you:

• Daily Grind: Do you do better studying for 30 minutes every day leading up to an exam?
• Cramming Champ: Or are you the type who thrives on last-minute cramming?
• Content Preferences: Do you prefer watching videos, listening to podcasts, or are you all about handwritten notes?

Play around with different methods and see what sticks. The key is to find a study routine that feels natural for you and makes the whole process less stressful. The more you customize your approach, the easier studying will become and the better you’ll do in school. 

6. Download our Free Guide

 
Sometimes the best way you can care for yourself is by getting help! At Thrive, we’re committed to creating resources that help people live healthier lives, physically, mentally, and relationally. If you’re looking for a self-care “guidebook”, consider downloading our free PDF guide, How to Thrive: 10 Simple Habits for Healthy Living. 

Self-care can look different for everyone. For some, it’s all about relaxing with a massage or a good book, while for others, it might be about establishing a solid routine or staying connected with friends. Being a student is often a challenging experience, but making the most of your time in school and finding ways to keep stress at bay can make a huge difference. Remember, self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all—find what works for you and make it a part of your daily life.