Studyblr Self-Care Masterpost
For my many followers, you might have noticed that I have been missing in action for the last six months as I took a break from my daily posting at the beginning of December 2016. For this absence, I’m really sorry! A combination of family, academic stress, work, and my mental health, forced me to take a break from the wonderful studyblr community.
However, I’m finally getting myself back on track - I’ve finished my second year and I’m finally feeling better than ever after many hiccups along the way!
I’ve learnt so much about how to look after myself to help me avoid falling into bad habits, and getting weighed down by my depression and anxieties. So, I decided to help ease me back in, I’d share my top tips for studyblr self-care:
You are important. Start the lifelong journey to learn to love yourself for your quirks, curves, anxieties, and scars. This is something I’ve been working on for tears and I’m still not there yet but don’t stop trying.
Get enough sleep. This is another tricky one but aim to get 8 hours a night and don’t be afraid to let yourself have a lie in every now and then.
Drink lots of water. Have a glass when you wake up, one with meals, during the day, at night, whenever you can...! It’s so important and really helps you focus, and stay healthy.
Take breaks. You’re not a machine. Give yourself a rest when working, leave your desk for a bit and come back refreshed and ready to work.
Get your fruit and vegetables when you can. I know it’s not always realistic to eat 5 a day, every day. I know I don’t manage it and many students I know don’t either. The important thing is to try your best and get those nutrients where you can!
Go outside. When I get down, one thing that usually works to bring me out of it a bit is to leave the house, my room, wherever, and just get outside for even five minutes.
Personal hygiene. This might be oversharing but, on my bad days, showering, cleaning my teeth, brushing my hair.... all feel like impossible tasks but powering through and getting them done make a world of difference to my mood. Give yourself that five minutes of love in the morning and look after yourself in these little ways.
Find a live human. Spending days completely on your own makes me sad and I always feel like I’m dragging others down with my low mood. But, spending time with people in person, brightens my day right up. Go see a friend, or, if you can’t handle going out, invite someone to you. You’ll feel better for it.
Make yourself cosy. Blankets, hot drinks, pyjamas...
You do you. I know not all of these will work for everyone (we’re all so different after all!) but do something you enjoy for yourself. Make cookies, watch your comfort film, ring a relative, rock out to death metal, read a book, have a nap... Treat yourself to a nice experience when you feel down or like you’re struggling.
Mental health and self-care is really personal and highly individual. What works for one person may not work for another. If you ever need some support, here’s a list of places or resources for you to use.
Rethink Mental Illness (support/advice for those with mental illness)
Talk to Frank (friendly, confidential drugs advice)
Samaritans (24/7 yearlong helpline for the distressed)
PAPYRUS (youth suicide prevention)
No Panic (support and courses those living with OCD)
Bipolar UK (charity for those living with Bipolar disorder)
Mind (mental health charity)
Young Minds (young peoples’ mental health)
Anxiety UK (for those clinically diagnosed with anxiety)
CALM or, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (male suicide prevention)
OCD UK (support by those with OCD, for those with OCD)
Depression Alliance (network for those living with depression)
Cruse Bereavement Care (support through grief)
Wholefully - 50 Self-Care Ideas
The Mighty - Self-Care for a Bad Day
The Self Compassion Project - 80+ Ideas
45 Simple Self-Care Practices
GoodTherapy.org - 134 Activities
Buzzfeed’s 21 Things To Do When It All Feels A Bit Too Much
Don’t forget to check out the likes of @self-care-kit, @self-care-club, and @ideasforselfcare! Also, check out @jwstudying‘s ‘Self Care Cheat Sheet’ Masterpost!
