Thriving, Not Surviving: A Guide to Self Care in Your Studies

As I near the end of the semester, I find myself struggling to stay motivated, to stay focused, and honestly, I feel pretty lousy. Being in and out of courses for the last ten years really takes a toll on your mental health and emotional well-being. Just like me, your struggling to find the balance of staying on top of your grades while staying on top of your self-care.

Before we get into how I find comfort and begin to heal that rift in myself, remember, you are not alone. You are not a failure because you are enduring a valley in life. You are doing the best you can and if the best you can do is 10%, then that is admirable.

“Taking care of yourself doesn't mean me first; it means me too.”– L.R. Knost

With that being said, let's get into these tips!

1. Set an hour aside a day to do something you want. It can be as productive or laid back as you like.

   Suggestions:

   1. Read a book

   2. Listen to music

   3. Do some yoga

   4. Lay on the couch

   5. Practice breathing exercises

   6. Take a nature walk

2. Journal/Braindump

   Take 15-20 minutes a day to write out all your thoughts. Letting your thoughts fester can force you to make hasty decisions and self care is about bringing yourself to a healthy head space.

3. Recite self-affirmations.

   Write out a few things you like about yourself. If you are comfortable, say them aloud to yourself. Cheering yourself on can help to motivate you and bring you to a healthy place to work on yourself.

4. Find an accountability partner.

   An accountability partner is someone who can keep you accountable and help you stay the course.

   I recommend a close friend or even someone who can remain objective, like a therapist or a counselor. They are someone who can provide advice but keep it real!

   I know it can be daunting but you never know what could be overlooked when your staring at the same picture.

5. Ask for help. No man is an island and its important to share your load so you don't have to carry it alone.

   Tip # 1 and #2 sound similar but the difference is when help is just that. Help.

   It takes courage to ask for help when you feel embarrassed or disappointed in yourself. You may think you don't deserve help but you do. We all deserve to be heard and have a chance to feel validated.

   HACC has an opportunity for students who are in need to get counseling. HACC will cover up to 3 sessions per semester!

   Through HACCs mental health services you, as a student, have access to:

   • A national network of licensed and insured therapists

   • Confidential help for a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress and relationship issues

   • Options for in-person, via phone or virtual counseling

   • Triage services 24/7

   Here is the link for more information: https://www.hacc.edu/Students/Non-AcademicSupport/WellnessResources/index.cfm

   
   

   “Lighten up on yourself. No one is perfect. Gently accept your humanness.”

   –Deborah Day