Self-care and wellness are essential to our lives as students because without them we are unable to be the best version of ourselves. However, the main solutions that are usually suggested to us (exercise, meditation, sleep etc.) require either: (1) too much effort or (2) or more of our time. Because of this, I feel moved to offer some more manageable tricks to tend to your wellness needs while at school.
1Pet every dog you see.
There are a good amount of pups running around campus. You can find them on the arts quad, walking by the slope, or even in Collegetown. I highly recommend taking 15-30 seconds to interact with one when you see it, and if given the opportunity. I can guarantee that it will brighten your day and you will not regret it!
2Treat yourself to your favorite drink
Tea! Coffee! Boba! You name it! From my personal experience, waiting in a 5-10 minute line at Rusty’s, Zeus, or Bus Stop bagels for your favorite drink, at some point in the day, can truly improve your mental health by giving you that extra kick. It can easily become one of the best practices of your daily routine.
Warning: this may put a dent in your BRB account but it’s worth it.
3Make your bed every morning
Making your bed puts you in a good mindset for the day, making you feel a bit more put together. Now, the days when I forget to make my bed pale in comparison.
4Watch a Vine compilation
While vine may be dead, watching a compilation on YouTube can give you a good laugh and allow you to revisit your childhood. A personal favorite of mine is called “Vines that keep me from ending it all.”
*Scientifically proven to improve mental health.*
5Don’t be afraid to splurge.
If you want a scone from Zeus, just get it even if its rock solid and you’ll regret it later.
6Lie down on the floor of your room
If you are feeling stressed, just drop everything and lie down. This will help ground you and reconnect with the earth. *Also scientifically proven.*
7Drive around in a car with no destination for 12 minutes.
If you have a car on campus, or know someone with a car, driving around with nowhere to go is a great way to solve your problems. Put together a playlist of your favorite songs and blast that music out the car windows!
While it is great to engage in activities that tend to your wellness on a larger scale, we all have those weeks where we just don’t have it in us. I hope these suggestions can help improve your wellness even just a little bit. Because every little step counts!
