When you’re studying all day, taking care of yourself is important! This helps with managing your stress, energy levels, and your overall mental health. Even doing one or two small acts of self-care can make a big (positive) difference in how you feel about yourself and your life in general. In today’s blog, we’ve listed 15 things you can do to take care of yourself. Try it out!

#1 Take a nap

Taking a quick power nap in between lectures or study sessions is always a good idea, especially if your energy levels are running low. Grab your (weighted) blanket and close your eyes for half an hour. Afterwards, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on the world again.

#2 Dance it out

Looking for an easy way to lower your stress? Dance it out! You release endorphins when dancing which, in turn, makes you happier. Put on a good tune and start groovin’!

#3 Incorporate a lunch-time walk

Sitting for long periods of time is not so good for your health, so stretch your legs, go for a small walk and breathe in some fresh air during lunchtime. You could even grab some lunch while walking.

#4 Self-care (Sun)day

Taking a whole day off to do whatever you’d like is also a good idea if your schedule allows it. Use the day to relax, sleep in, go for a walk, make time for your hobbies, or organise your room. You do you, boo!

#5 15-minute declutter

Is your room a mess and it’s starting to stress you out? Set a timer for 15 minutes and declutter your space. I often can concentrate better when my room is (relatively) clean and organised. A clean space = a clear mind!

#6 Practice mindfulness

Another way to tend to your well-being is to practise mindfulness. Think of meditating, doing breathing exercises or writing down 5 things you’re grateful for etc. This helps with clearing your mind and (hopefully) thinking more positively. In our blog on 4 easy ways to reduce stress and anxiety, we give some meditation examples. So, if you’re curious about this, check out the blog!

#7 Work-out

Walking, doing yoga or pilates, or going to the gym are good ways to improve your mental health because happiness hormones such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin are released when moving your body. Even if it’s just for 15 minutes.

#8 Eat healthy food

Eating a filling, nourishing meal is always a great idea. Go get your veggies and healthy fats by cooking up a storm (or ordering in). If you are in need of some inspiration, we have a blog full of cheap and easy autumn recipes and another with cheap recipes when it’s the end of the month. Enjoy!

#9 Meal prep

Are you always running late and skipping breakfast to get to your lecture or seminar? Help yourself out by meal prepping your breakfast (or even your lunch or dinner) the day before. That way you only have to grab it so you can eat it on your way there. Your future self will thank you. 

Meal prepping is also great when you want to eat healthy. Cut your veggies beforehand so you only have to put everything together when cooking up your meal.

#10 Organise your online space

A clean space = a clear mind also concerns your online space such as the documents on your laptop or in your Google Drive. Find a system that works for you (for example, organising your documents per year, per semester, per block, per course etc.) and start organising! That way you can easily find the documents you need in the future.

#11 Do a digital detox

Cancel out the social media noise and switch off your phone for a few hours, or even a day. This will help with sleeping better, reducing your stress and anxiety levels and boosting your mood. Do tell your loved ones that you’re switching off your phone though, so that they don’t get worried. If a whole day or even a few hours is too much for you, you could also start by setting limits for every social media app you have to reduce your screen time.

#12 Re-read your favourite childhood book or re-watch your childhood favourite film

This will definitely make your inner child feel happy: re-read or re-watch your favourite childhood book or film. It’s a nice way to switch off your brain for a bit and it will (hopefully) bring up some lovely childhood memories.

#13 Text or call a loved one

It’s always nice to have someone to talk to or to give you a heads-up if you need it. Or, if you're in a lovey-dovey mood, you can call them to tell them how much you appreciate and love them. This will make their (and your) day!

#14 Stay hydrated

Your body needs water to survive and to function properly. So, if you haven’t had something to drink in a while, this is your sign to fill a glass of water and down it!

#15 Bake your favourite treat

Lastly, bake your favourite treat. Doing things with your hands will keep your mind off of things and you’ll have a delicious snack to enjoy at the end of the process.

There you have it, 15 things you can do to take care of yourself. You deserve it! Let us know in the comments below what self-care activities you always do. We’re curious :).