While I often dream about days full of saunas, HIIT workouts classes, homemade green smoothies, and a full eight hours of rest, let’s be real. That is a reality I could only dream of acquiring.
My days are often chaotic, filled with classes, meetings, running late to postponed coffee plans, homework, or whatever else comes my way. Despite the chaos, I have created systems that help me manage my busy schedule while giving some much needed TLC to my physical and mental well-being throughout the day.
I once was a firm believer that school and work responsibilities came first, with everything else set aside until those items were completed.
Spoiler: The to-do list never seemed to be completely checked off.
My health journey really began to thrive when I realized that prioritizing my well-being first was the key to managing my busy schedule to the best of my ability. What once was seen as an option is now a crucial aspect in sustaining the daily chaos.
Implementing My Non-Negotiables
Although I can’t spend hours on end practicing self-care, I have developed a system of non-negotiables that helps me keep a sense of structure, balance, and routine. While each day looks different, here are five of my non-negotiables that help me prioritize my health as a college student in the midst of the madness:
- Doing skincare morning and night.
- Soaking in morning sunlight (sometimes by just walking around the outside of my apartment building).
- Hitting my step goal (even if that means choosing to walk to my classes).
- Incorporating, at minimum, a 30-minute workout throughout the day.
- Dedicating at least 20 minutes before bed to read or journal with no technology.
These may seem like little acts. But no matter how unpredictable or crazy my day gets, I have these moments to myself to look forward to, unplugging and recharging.
Taking Mindful, Recharging Breaks
I often catch myself utilizing my time between classes or meetings by scrolling down the neverending rabbit hole of TikTok GRWMs or seeing what my friends are posting on IG. Although this seems relaxing in the moment, it often leaves me feeling more tired and fatigued.
Lately, I have been making it my goal to take advantage of breaks, to recharge, and to give my body a moment to breathe. Even if the break is only 10 minutes between Zooms or during my skincare routine, I try to unplug from technology and be present.
When I get the opportunity for a longer break, I usually like to do a low-impact workout like walking or yoga to help wind down. Oftentimes, scheduling these breaks (just like I would a meeting or workout class) into my calendar helps hold me accountable and take advantage of extra minutes of downtime throughout the day.
I find that implementing these breaks as a visual “task” on my calendar encourages me to make the most out of them. Rather than seeing these breaks as an opportunity to procrastinate, I see them as a part of my self-care routine each day that helps me recharge and reset.
I am a firm believer that balance has been the most important practice while prioritizing my health. I am a huge fan of saying no to plans in order to stay in and get a few more hours of sleep or to catch up on much-needed episodes of The Bachelor.
While staying in is my idea of a perfect Friday night, sometimes dodging plans to go out can be a struggle. Throughout the week, it is hard to find time for peace and quiet, especially while living with roommates in a college environment.
I have found that communicating is the most important factor in making this a reality. Being honest with myself and my friends when I need a quiet night to myself is a must. Through navigating my health journey, I have realized that self-care sometimes looks like doing absolutely nothing … and that is okay.
The idea of daily saunas and days full of self-care remain unrealistic for now. But I have found that, for me, true wellness comes from balance amidst the chaos and the implementation of putting my health at the top of my to-do list each day.
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