Midterm season for GC is here, leaving many students in need of some self-care time. Self-care is meant for moments when mental health may not be at its peak, and the body and mind need refreshers.
Many methods of self-care include taking a warm bath, reading a good book, seeing friends and going on walks outdoors. Each person is different, so the preference in self-care techniques varies from person to person.
There are also healthy ways and unhealthy ways to unwind after a long day. Older students may enjoy a glass of wine or the effects of another alcoholic beverage, but in certain settings and long-term, this can do more harm than good for a person’s mental and physical health.
Social situations can be relaxing for some, depending on the situation and company, but for other students, it can cause more anxiety. More extroverted people see hanging out with others as a way to relax, whereas others who are more introverted become even more tired after spending time in public.
“I love to hang out with my friends and roommates after a long day,” said Emma Woodall, a senior English major. “It helps for me to remember that I’m not alone.”
In moments of stress, it is easy to get overwhelmed with all of the activities and thoughts on one’s mind, which is why some students turn to journaling. Journaling and writing your thoughts down can be helpful for maintaining an organized life and expressing emotions in a healthy manner.
“Journaling really helps me to collect my thoughts and understand my emotions after a long day,” said Allie Wiernicki, a junior education major.
While scrolling through social media may seem relaxing, it can actually create a dopamine dependency in the human brain. According to The Guardian, the act of using social media triggers the dopamine receptors in the brain inorganically, causing addiction in some cases. This is why some people prefer to be completely unplugged as a form of self-care.
“After a long day I really enjoy just sitting in my room and being completely turned off from everything,” said Hazel Fairbairn, a junior marketing major. “I don’t have the TV on or anything.”
There are a lot of free ways to unwind, but one of the most fun parts of having a self-care night is splurging on a treat or activity. Some students love to bake, while others like to rent a movie, go shopping, get takeout or color in adult coloring books.
“Baking a sweet treat and coloring are super fun ways for me to just relax and calm down,” Wiernicki said.
Midterms are a stressful time, but it is important to make mental health a priority. While grades are very important, both physical and mental health need to be focused on as well. Good mental health can allow a person to strive and do their best, and setting self-care times can help reset the mind when in a stressful environment.
