Self Care Tips For Young Adults
February is a month that reminds us to love each other and ourselves.
There has never been a better time to start taking care of yourself and practicing self-care than now. This is especially true for young adults, who are faced with tremendous pressures from the world, such as doing well academically, deciding what type of career to pursue and dealing with changing family dynamics. In addition, they are faced with the limits and stresses of living, studying and growing during a global pandemic.
Because of this, incorporating self-care habits into one’s routine is extremely important and beneficial.
First of all, what is self-care?
Self-care is about meeting your basic needs so you can be physically and mentally healthy. Our nutrition, movement and sleep all impact our brain and mental health. That being said, let’s explore some self-care tips you can use to achieve a healthy mind and body.
1) Schedule your time.
Prioritize yourself and start building your schedule with one or two of the items below, and then fill in other obligations. Panda Planners are great for helping you schedule your time and develop new healthy mental and physical habits.
2) Meditation.
Headspace is a great, free app to start with, and the same folks just put up a great beginning routine on Netflix that is in quick 20-25 minute bits with background information and a guided meditation.
3) Move your body.
Try a quick walk, stretch or yoga routine on YouTube, dust off your bike, etc. It doesn’t have to be intense for it to be beneficial—30 minutes of low impact movement is all it takes to start feeling better.
4) Get some sleep.
Seven to nine regularly scheduled, uninterrupted hours is best. It’s not easy fitting this into a schedule filled with academic, social and recreational activities, but it sure has a big payoff.
5) Creative expression.
Choose a creative outlet to convey your thoughts and feelings. Strive for emotional expression, not perfection. Quiet your inner critic and do something just for you!
6) Get an animal!
Maybe yours, maybe a dog you met on a walk. Petting/caring for something helps reduce stress and release hormones associated with love, which increase levels of belonging and comfort.
7) Connect with friends.
Do something other than gossip or school work. Pick a movie to watch simultaneously, play a game online, do an art project together or eat at the same time on FaceTime.
8) Appreciate nature.
Turn off your ringer and go find a trail. Being under the sky and among plants and trees (even in the cold) helps you feel calmer and connected to a greater purpose and increases your immune system.
9) Do something for someone else.
Start small and do your chores without being asked. Our brains are wired for enjoying the act of giving—even if it’s just your time and effort.
At the end of the day, self-care is the practice of tending to one’s own energy and needs. That being said, what works and what doesn’t is unique for everyone. Try out some of the tips listed, but don’t feel limited to them. Do whatever makes you feel best!
Sources:
https://www.mghclaycenter.org/
https://courtneyharriscoaching.com/talking-to-teenagers-about-self-care/
