2020 and 2021 have been met with a lot of racial tension, economic worries, political strife and more. UAB has offered their students a health-and-wellness day on March 16th to make up for its lack of a spring break that many of us are missing right now. Although there are plenty who are wishing for a longer break, we must also understand the importance in UAB’s choice on looking out for the health, safety, and well-being of their student/staff population. Here are some things you may need to know or wish to do on your self-care day:
To begin, what is self-care? Self-care can be as little and as much as you want it to be. For some, it may be ensuring basic needs, like getting enough sleep or eating a meal. For others, it may be anything that allows you to feel nourishing or fulfilled. It can be relaxing, calming, intellectual, spiritual, physical, practical, and more.
Self-care is important because taking time out to care for yourself can remind you and others that you and your needs are important too. Having a well-cared-for body can make you feel good about yourself and your life and conveys to others that you value yourself. Good feelings towards yourself transmits good feelings onto others. It teaches you a lot about yourself and provides you with insight into what you need to be the best version of yourself. By recognizing stressors in your life, you are also recognizing what needs to be improved to mitigate reoccurring problems or provide some instance of relief.
Here is list of things to get you started on your self-care journey or things to do for a day:
- Go outside and take a walk. Look to appreciate the little things in life, listen to the birds, watch the clouds, and get some fresh air.
- Start a new hobby or finish something that you’ve been meaning to get to. That art piece that you’ve been meaning to touch-up or complete? Now’s the day! Little beginnings lead to great endings no matter how long they take.
- Get some exercise. From taking a walk, meditating, yoga, dancing, or more.
- Drink water and eat! Nourish your body and ensure that you’re getting some basic needs. Even something as small as a snack can make a world of a difference.
- Take a nap. I know that mid-terms have either just begun or is being finished up and getting rest is necessary for hard-working brain activity.
- Treat yourself to something small or large. Whether it be from getting something sweet, like cookies, or buying yourself that item you have wanted forever now. We all deserve a treat every once-in-awhile.
- Remember you’re halfway through the semester. Tell yourself words of affirmations to keep you going. You’re doing a great job and I’m proud of you for making it this far.
Self-care is not meant to be tiresome, overbearing, selfish, etc. Self-care is meant to prevent burnout and build resilience. Do not set unrealistic goals that will only make you feel disappointed in yourself later. Do not do things that will make you feel sluggish or feel guilty. Start small and work your way up, but always remember that it’s ok to not complete your goal. It’s ok to say ‘no’ to your friends to focus on yourself, and that it’s ok to feel the way you feel. You are valid and your feelings are valid, do not sacrifice your own self-worth, health, and mental capacity at the sake of others.
