The Uni Diaries: A student's guide to self care

A Student's Guide to Self-care

The combination of little sleep, super-noodles and alcohol is not a good mix for self-care, though it may feel like it at the time. I'm not saying never go out, only eat veggies and never drink because, lets be honest, that's just not realistic. Here's what I've learnt helps when trying to practice self-care whilst being a student.

1. Sleep pattern

I've always been someone who sleeps early and this is something that is a running joke in my flat. That being said, sleeping is generally a primary tip for self-care when you're a student. I think that whatever time you sleep whether that's 10pm or 3am just make sure that you get enough of it without it being at detriment to your lectures. If I know I have a later start then I know staying up later or going out is more feasible as I'll just stay in bed longer.

2. Hydration

This is something I still need to work on. Recently I've been getting loads of headaches and whilst it might be the lack of sleep (see above) or the fact that I'm staring at screens for a good portion of the day, I know that I do need to drink more than I currently do. On days when I know I've drank lots of water (and tea), I feel so much more functional and less like I want to crawl back into bed.

3. Switch off every now and then

I find that days when I have very little going on I'll spend hours scrolling through my phone but this often leaves me feeling groggy. Instead, it's refreshing to go into the kitchen as have a chat with the flat, or meet the girls on my course for a drink and a chat. Having just an hour off from everything; work, uni, social media, makes such a difference to how I feel.

4. Exercise

Lethargy is a common feeling, especially if you're just going to lectures, catching a bus back and returning to the comfort of your bed. Even just walking places can help with this. Days when we've walked through the park to uni and back feel so much better and make me feel more productive than if I haven't moved all day. Whatever form of exercise you prefer will improve you week and make you dread getting up for lectures a little less. I know some people who love to go to the gym or others who are part of a sports team for their course. Either way, it's a break from studying and being in student accommodation that is welcomed.

5. Cooking

I feel like most people who go to uni have some basic understanding of cooking easy but good meals, and if you don't... well there's always Google! It's so easy to shove noodles in the microwave and call it a day, but making a proper dinner or even a mini roast on a Sunday is a form of self care. Don't get me wrong, noodles are a cracking lunch and hangover pick me up, but they wont suffice on the daily!

6. Make your bed

This, again, is something I need to do more often. I'll wake up, go to uni and come back and get straight back into bed, particularly when it isn't made. However, if I do make my bed in the morning, not only do I feel far more productive but it also makes me less likely to dive into it when I get back. This is a habit that I consider as self-care because getting into bed in the middle of the day, every day, is only going to make me feel more lethargic and sleepy.

7. Facetime home

Probably one of the most obvious, but also most commonly done tips. If you're having a bit of a down day and are feeling crappy, Facetiming family or friends is guaranteed to boost your spirits. 

8. Don't be afraid to treat yourself

Whether that be to a face mask, a new outfit or a fat chocolate cake, just treat yourself sometimes. Students spend so much time worrying about money that I think sometimes It's important to just say F*** it and buy something that makes you feel good - this 100% constitutes as self care (or at least that's what I tell myself!).

Student life is all about balance and having fun!

Do whatever you think is going to make you happy and practice self care in the way you see fit.

Love always, Annabelle 

xox