Self Care In The Midst Of Stressful Times
How to manage stress and practice healthy habits during the busiest time of year
Written by Gracie Lund, Contributing Writer
With Thanksgiving break quickly approaching and finals season just around the corner, the classes you put on the back burner come back to haunt you as another test, paper or project rolls around. Now more than ever, taking a little extra time out of your day to relax and reflect is key to a successful semester. Here are some of our favorite “self-care” routines, shared with you in the hope that you can spend a little time focusing on your well-being in the midst of these stressful times.
Spend thirty minutes a day doing something you enjoy. Whether it be reading a book, watching your favorite TV show, grabbing coffee with a friend, calling a loved one, or cooking your favorite meal. A small break could be exactly what you need to remotivate and re-energize. Whatever makes you focus a little less on the stress and more on the positives is key.
According to Healthline, eating the correct snacks and food helps increase serotonin levels. Doctors recommend snacks such as “oatmeal with nuts, pretzel sticks with peanut butter, and salmon with brown rice.” Through these protein rich foods, you get tryptophan which later converts to serotonin in your brain so thinking a little extra about what you eat, especially during periods of high stress can be extremely beneficial.
Routines can be beneficial in many ways, but sometimes the best way to focus is to switch up your study spots. The Business Library is a great place to study in complete silence with bright lights that help keep your eyes open when the nights get long. My current favorite (and very aesthetic) coffee shops are Colectivo and Grace Coffee, which are both located on State Street. Also, the second and third floors of College Library are great for studying if you plan to talk with your friends.
The Madison Farmers Market is a great way to decompress over the weekend, take a break from game days and treat yourself to some fresh produce or amazing cheesy bread. It is refreshing to get off campus, walk around the capitol and see the local artists’ work as well. The Monroe Street Farmers Market is another great option with a wide variety of organic food, food trucks, music and more. Next Saturday, grab a friend and try out the farmers market!
Exercise is one of the most frequently highlighted aspects of health care other than eating right. I am a firm believer that any form of exercise is beneficial to both your physical and mental health. All forms of exercise release serotonin and can be an instant mood booster. I highly recommend the Lake Shore Path and I have been walking this path once a week as a study break. Youtube also provides great exercise tutorials and seven minute workouts that can be done right in your dorm room. I also highly recommend the Nike Training Club app that has a variety of workouts including weight training, yoga, and running. You can still practice these healthy workout habits inside while it is snowing.
Yoga is another awesome way to unwind, whether you like getting your day started early with meditation or sweating it out with a sculpt class in the evening. There are many yoga studios that surround UW’s campus and both Dragonfly and Inner Fire have student discounts that make memberships more affordable for students. You can try your first class at Dragonfly for free!
Along with yoga, I have found meditation to be a great practice for thoughtfulness and relaxation. I use two apps called Headspace and Calm which I can listen to anywhere and on the go. Yoga and meditation go a long way in lowering your heart rate, giving your brain a break, and putting aside your stress even if it’s just for ten minutes.
Lastly, we are blessed with an Aveda Institute right here on campus which offers heavily discounted services. You can get a $15 forty-five minute facials and relatively inexpensive manicures, pedicures, and massages. The average cost of a facial ranges anywhere from $35-50 and Aveda provides exceptional services for affordable prices. That being said, store bought face masks and spa nights are always a good idea.
It is not easy to prioritize self care with hours of homework, studying, extracurricular commitments, and jobs. Although taking a break may not seem like the right thing to do when you have countless things on your to-do list, it may be just the thing you need to maximize your success and happiness.