Make Yourself a Priority

Learn Why Personal Time is Essential
By Ashton Porter Confident Young Woman

Some students feel they don’t have the time for self-care, or that they’re being self-absorbed by turning their attention away from their studies, friends, or family. But there’s nothing selfish about self-care. Prioritizing your physical and mental well-being, as well as meeting your spiritual and creative needs, can have a direct impact on your academic performance, health, and how you relate to others.

Jane B., a student at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, Massachusetts, shares, “I use my commute to reflect, wind down, and gear up for time with family. Sometimes I sing at the top of my lungs to rid myself of pent-up frustration. I want to walk through the door with positive energy.” With proper time management and a few creative tricks, it’s possible to integrate “me time” into your daily life.

Ornella talks about making time for herself. (MP4)

Care for Your Body

Physical self-care involves attending to your body by eating well, practicing good hygiene, getting rest, and exercising. Isabella O., a graduate student at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, finds that when she prioritizes self-care, she doesn’t feel run-down. “I don’t get sick as often, and I’m able to focus on the task at hand more easily,” she says. Here are some suggestions:

Spend a few hours preparing healthy meals to last the week.
Set reminders to take a walk, visit the gym, or work out with a friend.
Get a haircut or massage.
Do some simple yoga stretches when you wake up or before going to sleep.

Planning enjoyable activities for yourself will increase your motivation when it’s time to study.

Attend to Your Emotional Needs

Emotional self-care includes planning sufficient alone time to reflect and relax, ensuring you have a strong social support system, and setting expectations for yourself that are not only challenging but also reasonable. Here are some simple options:

Wake up 10 minutes early to meditate before a hectic day.
Organize your thoughts by writing for 10 minutes before bed.
Talk with a loved one while eating lunch.

Jennifer W., a sophomore at Pierpont Community & Technical College in Fairmont, West Virginia, finds breathing exercises helpful. “I don’t feel overwhelmed,” she notes.

Jeffrey shares why he takes time for himself. (MP4)

Spiritual, Community, and Creative Connection

Reflect on what drives you and makes you feel fulfilled. Is it spending time with your community through volunteer efforts, going to a house of worship, or playing music? Schedule a little time each week to do what builds your spirit.

Finding time to focus on yourself is a practice that will help you succeed in your academics and in juggling life’s many responsibilities.

Ashton is a recent graduate of Trinity College Dublin with a master’s degree in science and global health. She currently works in non-profit fundraising and development.

Relaxation Techniques for the Busy Student

Temporarily disconnecting from your academic work and other responsibilities can help you maintain a better sense of balance in your life. But after a hectic day (or in the midst of one), your mind and body may have trouble shutting off. By practicing relaxation techniques, you can improve your emotional well-being and reduce stress.

The following techniques are simple and fast:

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Contract and then relax each of the major muscle groups in your body, from your head to your feet.
Meditation: Get into a comfortable position and close your eyes. Focus on the present and be mindful of your thoughts. Some meditation techniques suggest focusing on a single word, object, or sound in order to enhance the experience. If you’re distracted, acknowledge your thoughts but let them “pass through.”
Visualization: Picture a pleasant scene in your mind while sitting or lying down in a relaxed position. Imagine the sensory experiences: What do you hear, smell, feel, taste, and see?
Deep Breathing: Slowly breathe in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. You can do breathing exercises anywhere-even a car or during an exam.

Downloadable instructions for specific relaxation techniques.

Map Out Time for Yourself

Creating a concrete plan for “me time” will help you stick to the goal of attending to your physical and emotional needs. Here’s an example:

Planned activity	Time necessary	Date & Time	I will accomplish this by…
Meditation/ relaxation	10 minutes	Tuesdays, Thursdays 7:30-7:40 a.m.	Waking up 10 minutes early.
Time with friend Exercise	1.5 hours	Thursday 5:00-6:30 p.m.	Meeting at the park for a walk.
Paint nails	20 minutes	Saturday 4:30-4:50 p.m.	A relative watching the kids.