Self-care isn’t always a top priority for students, but it should be.
This post talks about 10 self-care ideas for students this fall.
So grab something warm, change into your best fall PJs and let’s harness the power of autumn self-care.
1. Clean your space for a clear headspace
I dread cleaning day as much as I await the feeling of a clean home.
Getting the hard part out of the way is what makes it so amazing to be able to light a candle, brew a cup of coffee and snuggle under a blanket in a clean home.
Clutter is the enemy of relaxation.
So roll up your sleeves, put your headphones on, and clean your space.
The feeling afterward is so worth it.
2. Plan your week to make time for self-care
Let’s be honest.
It’s hard to relax when you have assignments and due dates looming over you.
Plan your week in a way that allows you to crush your deadlines and still make time to take care of yourself.
It’s hard, but it’s entirely possible.
Related: how to plan your week for online classes
3. Have a “no-school day”
When you think of self-care for students, what comes to mind first?
For me, it’s having a day when I don’t worry about school.
Scheduling a day with no school work keeps me sane and motivated throughout the week.
Of course, there are weeks when this isn’t possible.
But I do NOT want to worry about my data analysis code in the middle of my Gilmore Girls marathon. In bed. With pizza. Thank you very much.
4. Get active and adventurous
Self-care doesn’t have to be at home (although if you ask me, the best form of self-care usually involves my bed).
However, a hike with friends or family, soaking in the gorgeous autumn air and colorful leaves, and catching sunsets in the mountains– that is self-care for the soul.
5. Or snuggle in bed with your favorite show and a warm drink
Hey, you work hard all week.
If you want to stay in bed all day instead of busting your calves on a hike–trust me, I get it.
So in case you’re not feeling the outdoors, stay home and take a nice, long shower instead.
Lather yourself in lotion. Put on some fuzzy socks. Brew your favorite hot drink and get under the covers with some Netflix.
Believe me, you deserve it.
6. Take a scenic drive and play your favorite fall playlist
Bon Iver playing in the background, a crisp and cool breeze, a canopy of scarlet leaves, and a Starbucks drive-thru off the highway exit.
Get the vibe yet?
Psst: here is the link to my favorite fall tunes
This is a great option for some mental self-care, especially for students who have had a rough week or need to clear their heads.
Getting outside can also be great if you live with family or roommates and desperately need some alone time.
This is especially important for introverts and people who need to spend quality time by themselves to recharge.
Related: 16 restorative ways to spend time alone
7. Travel somewhere new
We’re still in the middle of a global pandemic, and it hasn’t been easy for anyone.
While some people are living as they normally would, most of us (myself included) are still struggling and unable to see past this difficult time.
But we will live again. We will travel again and things will get better. It’s important to remember that.
Everything comes to an end, the bad times and the good.
You don’t have to travel to somewhere fancy.
Pick somewhere safe, where you can socially distance, and challenge yourself to explore somewhere new.
It can be a new country or a quaint city an hour away in your home state.
We need to keep moving forward and remembering that there are still adventures to be had, city lights to soak up, mountain air to breathe, and highway drives to be taken.
No matter how big or small your trip is, it can be a recharging and growing experience.
We need to keep moving forward and remembering that there are still adventures to be had, city lights to soak up, mountain air to breathe, and highway drives to be taken.
Something to reflect on:
Travel for yourself, not for your Instagram followers. Soak up the experience, but try to enjoy it for you, and not how it looks to other people. Disconnect if possible.
8. Treat yourself– bake something delicious
Fall brings with it all the delicious baked goods.
Baking is a great form of self-care for busy students who need to get their mind off school for a while.
I love to bake for my family and neighbors, which makes it a really rewarding experience.
Here are my absolute favorite treats to bake in the fall:
- Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls — kind of an all-day project (but so worth it).
- Cinnamon Apple Bread — takes less than 10 minutes to prep!
- Coffee Cake Banana Bread — need I say more?
9. Spend time alone
This can be a simple stroll to clear your head, or a drive alone to enjoy your own company.
As an introvert, I need time to myself to recharge.
Spending time alone allows me to reflect on my thoughts and emotions, and allows me to monitor my state of mind.
Self-awareness is key to proper, individualized self-care.
Sometimes, this means journaling all your thoughts out so you can figure out why you’re feeling this way.
Other times, it’s realizing that you’d rather not be alone right now and that you should talk to someone.
10. Journal
I had to put this in here because journaling has often saved me.
When I feel emotions I can’t explain, I pray.
Then, I pick up my journal.
While talking to people can help immensely, some things you just need to figure out for yourself.
This is where self-awareness and journaling come in.
I just free-write, but you can use a prompt if you’re unsure where to start:
- What is holding you back from moving forward?
- What is within your control? What decisions can you make to improve yourself and feel better?
- “If something is meant for you, it will be yours. And if something left you, it was never yours to begin with– no matter how badly you want it.”
Reflect on this and how it makes you feel. - Are you caught up in others’ approval of you? Why? What would you do differently if no one was watching? Are you living for yourself?
I know these are some tough questions, but they are questions I often ask myself– so I hope they will help you too.
Remember, there is no right way to journal.
Write your heart out, only to read it out to yourself. See the things you discover that shake you. It’ll be great.
There you have it, 10 self-care activities for college students to help you unwind.
What’s your go-to form of self-care when you’re stressed out? Mine is grabbing my journal and writing, but I’d love to try yours!
Until next time, take it easy 🤍