The Iglu Guide | Blog
How to create a self-care routine that works for you
Taking good care of your personal wellbeing should be high priority for any student, but it’s all too easy to push it to the bottom of the pile. For some students, it can feel like just another time-consuming task in another busy day – but the reality is really very different. By making small micro changes to your everyday routine, self-care becomes an achievable habit that can stay with you for a lifetime. Not only will you feel the difference on the inside, you’ll feel the positivity radiate through every aspect of your life.
What is self-care and why does it matter?
Self-care refers to any type of activity that prioritises your mental, physical and emotional health. It gives you the opportunity to consider your own needs in a way that is personal to you, whether that’s help managing anxiety, improving your mood or encouraging confidence. In turn, it can have a huge knock-on effect on your social and academic life.
What you’re actually doing is building up a personal toolbox that you can draw on for the rest of your life. Once you’ve experienced the benefits, you might find there’s room for more. And despite what social media might tell you, self-care strategies can be quick and simple. There is no ‘right’ way or ‘right’ routine. The key to success is little and often.
Self-care ideas for busy students
Mindful mornings
Starting the day well immediately sets a positive tone and can lead to improved mental clarity, increased energy levels and reduced stress. There are many different ways to achieve this, but finding out what works best for you and incorporating it into a regular morning routine is a great way to improve your overall sense of wellbeing.
- Breathing exercises
- Stretching/yoga routine
- Setting a daily intention
- Getting outside in the fresh air, whatever the weather
- Short meditation practice
A daily walk
Getting a daily dose of fresh air is great for self-care as it is known to boost your mood, increase energy levels and help relieve stress and anxiety. Spending more time outside in nature helps us stay present and focussed, as well as encouraging motivation and gratitude. Some students find it beneficial to start every day this particular way, but if you’re short of time, try getting off the bus a stop or two early instead. Or even start a new routine altogether, and take a stroll in between study sessions to break it all up. Best of all, it’s completely free!
Nourish your body
Taking good care of your physical self is about more than healthy eating, it’s about ensuring your body has everything it needs to function at its best. We don’t always notice when we’re feeling run down, tired, or dehydrated until it’s sometimes too late. Thinking about this in advance and keeping your body well-fuelled with the right foods is crucial to your overall well-being and happiness – and will set you up for academic success.
- Cook nutritious and balanced meals
- Avoid unhealthy snacks where possible
- Organise social cooking with friends and feel the emotional benefits
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, keep a water bottle nearby
Arrange your space
Living in a cluttered or messy environment can add to your stress levels. A small act of tidying, clearing or cleaning can help de-clutter your mind, leaving you ready to tackle the tasks ahead. Try out some different techniques to see what works for you.
- Clear your desk every night to create a welcoming space the following day
- Tidy your room and remove clutter
- Change your bed sheets to freshen your mind
Study-well techniques
Study sessions come with the territory, but there are definitely ways to make them more appealing. Slogging it out at your desk with no end in sight is unsustainable and can leave the most well-intentioned student feeling very frazzled.
- Organise a regular study group or find a study-buddy
- Try out different revision strategies such as the Pomodoro technique that incorporates regular breaks
- Take regular breaks and incorporate some movement, such as a walk around the block, or quick stretch
Winding down
Some students find it difficult to switch off after a busy day. Creating a simple night time routine is a great way for your body to understand it’s time to power down and get ready for sleep.
- Listen to a regular podcast or read a chapter of a book before bed
- Turn off all devices and keep them out or arm’s reach
- Try some breathing routines to calm your mind and help your body physically relax
Emotional wellness
If you feel stressed and have no energy for others, staying sociable can be a great way to lift that mood as even small social interactions trigger happy hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin. Spending time with others can also provide comfort, reassurance and emotional support – a really important aspect of emotional wellbeing.
- Stay connected with family via calls and messages
- Spend time with friends on a regular basis
- Find opportunities to mix in with the world – even if it’s just a trip to the supermarket
- Embrace new friendships
Setting up your self-care routine
- Find out what brings you most joy – whether that’s meeting friends, daily exercise, having a swim or simply getting into the fresh air
- Check your schedule and see how you can include some of these simple acts on a regular basis, without adding any additional pressure
- Stay flexible – if your schedule changes, rather than stress about it, just go with the flow and adapt your routine
