how to practice self love when you’re burned out academically
hey everyone! since a new school year is just around the corner, i thought i would make myself a list of things to do when i’m struggling academically. for me, personally, i take it out on myself when i fail a test or answer something wrong in class. but, i realized i need to take a breather and chill. so, here’s a list of self love tips n tricks for the school year. you can use these when you’re struggling or when you just need a little boost me up.
ok so whenever my depression is kicking my ass, i tend to feel really bad about myself. so here’s a few things i do to make myself feel a tad bit better:
positive affirmations. if there is anything i learned in group therapy, it is that these things work. and before you say they don’t, you’re probably doing them wrong. don’t worry, i’m going to explain how to properly do them. go into a mirror and say something that you did well today, a feature you like about yourself, or something of that matter. the key is to start with something miniscule. you can’t immediately just jump into the affirmations like, “i’m the smartest kid in my ap psych class and everyone else in that class is stupid.” (which btw isn’t true. they wouldn’t put themselves through the torture of ap psych if they weren’t intelligent enough) instead, try, “i did well in ap psych today. i managed to answer the question correctly when i was called on.” over time, if you gradually increase your daily affirmations, you will begin to believe them! hooray!
how bad is it really, though? put your feelings into reality. let’s say you got an F or a D on a pop quiz. it sucks, i know, but it happens to all of us eventually. ask yourself, “is it really that bad? am i going to fail the class? is the world going to end?” no!!!! and besides, even if you did get a “bad” grade, why do you think that way? is it because you’re comparing yourself to your peers?
don’t compare yourself!!!!!! this is a big one and it’s extremely hard for me to listen to. focus on yourself and your strengths. the kid you think is perfect, beautiful, and intelligent might have the worst home life or something seriously wrong going on. remember, your academics do not equal your value. you didn’t do so hot on that test? no biggie. there are plenty of amazing things you did in that day only, i promise.
face masks. ok i personally love face masks. they’re so fun and make you feel so fresh! when you’re feeling down, one of the best things to do is make yourself feel slightly better. in between study sessions, apply a face mask (i like the charcoal ones) and wait for it to dry. i promise, you’ll instantly feel like 10% better.
a healthy snack. i love my junk food just like the next guy, but did you know eating foods such as mcdonalds, etc, will affect your academic perfomance and probably clog your arteries? read this article! eating an orange and having a cup of ice cold water will make you feel ready to seize the day
reading for enjoyment. school novels can be so overwhelming that you practically have no time to ever read for fun. my suggestion is take a 10-15 minute break in between study sessions to read your favorite book. personally, i’m a sucker for the to all the boys i’ve loved before trilogy. ugh, queen jenny han.
sage. ok even if you don’t “believe” in this kind of stuff, sage is cheap and you ever only burn it to clear negative energy. see what i’m getting at here? then, when you’re done burning it, maybe change your sheets and take a well deserved nap!
meds. if you are prescribed medications make sure you take them! you will feel better if you are taking your meds properly.
brushing your teeth. minty fresh breath will instantly put you in a better mood
showering. i get it. when you’re depressed you don’t feel like showering. but trust me, you will feel better when you let the warm water hit your shoulders and wash away your troubles.
to all the boys i’ve loved before
princess and the pauper (a barbie movie never ceases to make me smile)
grateful: gratitude journal
spending time with friends
things to do if you’re frustrated at school
talk to your teacher. they’re here to help you and don’t want to see you end up with a non passing grade.
seek out the guidance counselor. you don’t know how many times i’ve went up to guidance to take a breather. it helps, trust me.
if you’re on a college campus, seek out therapy groups located on campus.
okay guys, i know these were sort of simple and maybe even obvious, but i hope they helped you at least somewhat! until next time… i have some mandarin notes to take, lol.