Deadlines, exams, homework, and final papers are due, and at this point, you might feel sick to your stomach with stress. But do you remember the last time you had a proper meal?
As students, it is very important that we prioritize self-care so we can be productive and positive. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is the key to being a successful student. So, what are some effective things we can do to take care of ourselves?
First and foremost is creating productive timetables for ourselves. Don’t just write down when assignments are due—include when you will eat, when to take a power nap, and even spend time outside getting some sunlight. It’s also important to pay attention to the type of food you’re having. Healthy & Nutritious, “brain food” will keep your energy up and running.
Another useful method is journaling your thoughts. For example, if a class is stressing you out, write down all your thoughts and feelings. Journaling helps you release stress and tension so you can focus better.
One important thing to remember is that our body needs Vitamin D to function properly, and sunlight is the best way to get it. Taking some time out of your busy day to enjoy the sun and fresh air can make a huge difference to your brain and body.
As humans, we all operate differently, and we also handle stress differently. That’s why I interviewed one of the students here so we can relate to each other and learn some tips on managing our time effectively.
Take Abby Yamamoto as an example. Abby is in her last semester, and she’s fully ready for the final week. She has managed to get all A’s, meet all her deadlines, and still looks fresh & active. When asked how she was able to perform so well, she explained that having a timetable was the key to everything.
“You want to make sure you make your timetable as detailed as possible,” says Abby. She has two types of timetables:
- An everyday checklist, which includes working out, eating, completing daily assignments, and finding time for her hobbies, like reading or cooking healthy meals.
- A big checklist, which includes deadlines for exams, papers, and study guides.
“You need to make sure you’re doing something fun in your life, no matter how busy you are, because that’s what keeps you going,” Abby explains.
When asked for fun suggestions, Abby said, “I recommend going to a nice bakery to read a book or visiting places like Stoble Coffee Shop or her favorite Upper Crust if you live in Chico. You can also take a walk at Bidwell Park.”
Abby also emphasized the importance of physical health. Whether it’s walking, riding a bike, or joining a gym, staying active helps release stress. “Working out makes you feel much better mentally and physically, which helps a lot when it comes to studying. It also helps prevent burnout as busy students,” Abby adds.
As students, we often take everything very seriously. We try to stay ahead, but still, we procrastinate and burn ourselves out. If we don’t take care of ourselves physically and mentally, it will become impossible to accomplish our goals.
With the final weeks approaching, I hope we can all take some time to breathe, relax, and finish strong.
