“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott

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Kayla Stephens, MPH.

Navigating your life can feel like a juggling act—balancing classes, work, job searches, grad school applications, family, and a social life can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Amidst the hustle, it's crucial to find ways to unplug and prioritize your mental and physical health to avoid burning out.

So why is it that self-care often takes a back seat to our other commitments? Perhaps it’s because prioritizing ourselves can feel inconvenient (maybe even selfish), or because it’s simply easier to focus on taking care of everything and everyone else. However, making yourself a priority can significantly enhance various aspects of your busy life, boosting your energy levels, mood, focus, relationships, and overall sense of fulfillment.

It’s essential to remember that self-care doesn’t have to mean training for a marathon or spending hours at the gym. It’s about doing what makes you happy and relaxed, whether that’s working outside on a nice day, taking a brief walk, enjoying a mani-pedi, squeezing in 10 minutes of yoga between meetings, or baking homemade scones with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Here are some simple, inexpensive (or free), and time-efficient ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine:

1 – Move Your Body

Take a solo walk (or grab a partner to accompany you), immerse yourself in nature on a hike, or do some yoga or stretching.

2 – Get Fresh Air

Work outside or simply step outside for a breath of fresh air. This can do wonders for your mood and energy levels.

3 – Focus On Breathing and Meditation 

Start your day or take a break during a stressful moment to focus on your breath. This simple practice can help clear your mind and center your thoughts.

4 – Engage Your Mind

Try crossword puzzles or coloring to relax, unwind, and to stimulate your brain in a positive way.

5 – Get a Plant

This isn’t just a social media trend—caring for a plant can actually be therapeutic and rewarding.

6 – Indulge in a Bubble Bath or Shower

Treat yourself to a relaxing soak or a refreshing shower to unwind and pamper yourself.

7 – Read for Pleasure

Escape into a good book, something unrelated to your studies, work, or daily responsibilities.

8 – Cook or Bake

Experimenting in the kitchen can be both fun and rewarding, especially when you get a delicious meal or treat out of it!

9 – Play a Musical Instrument or Sing 

Whether you’re skilled at playing, like to burst into song, or simply enjoy listening, music can be soothing to the soul. Lose yourself in the melodies for a while.

10 – Do Nothing At All

Sometimes giving yourself permission to relax and do nothing is the best self-care.

What brings you joy? Share your self-care moments with us on social media by tagging @SPSNational. Taking care of your whole self doesn’t have to be complicated—know that it is a journey, and every small step counts.