6 ways you should practise self-care at uni

This month is Self-Care September! Self-care is all about listening to the needs of your mind and body. You should practise self-care all year round and think about how you can integrate it into your uni life.

1. Choosing and nurturing good friendships

If that lifelong ‘friend’ is jarring, don’t be afraid to let them go and the same goes for relationships. The company you keep really does have an impact on your life.

Sometimes it’s hard to balance studying, working and catching up with friends – but good friends will understand. Spending quality time with family and friends who know you best can be refreshing and freeing, as they understand and won’t judge you the real you.

2. Managing your finances

Budgeting and money management can be stressful whilst you’re at uni. Get in your savings bag, make a list of your monthly outgoings, keep track of your finances and plan ahead – think twice before making a purchase.

Just because you get paid next week, it doesn’t mean you’re on an automatic quest to spend every last penny in your bank this week. Before you make any big purchases, don’t forget to check out the discounts available via UNiDAYS!

3. Self-discipline

Try and stick to your schedule; you believed you could achieve everything on that schedule when you wrote it down – so what has changed now? Also, learn how to say ‘no’ and don’t feel guilty for putting yourself first.

If you need some help, why don’t you try using Notion to organise your uni life?

4. Me-time and mindfulness

Take time out to focus on yourself – this will prepare you for your next move. Whether it’s ditching a night out once in a while to stay home and recharge or waking up an hour earlier than usual to evaluate what needs to be done today; both will have a huge impact on your day.

If you’re looking for support with your mental health, try 30 days of Miindset for free, or 50% Off your first month of Better Help therapy.

5. Exercise

Physical activity is an elite form of self-care! Exercise can boost your mood and increase your dopamine levels, leaving you feeling relaxed and happy. Some people love a walk, and some people prefer going to the gym or exercise classes.

If you’d prefer to stay in the comfort of your room, Les Mills + or Fiit could be a more convenient option.

6. Sleep

A lot of us prioritise studying over sleeping, but a lack of sleep will no doubt have a negative effect on exam and assignment performance. Try to manage your study time around a full night's sleep—you’ll defo feel better for it.

Sometimes a sleep aid can help. Why don’t you try to go to sleep listening to white noise or sleep sounds via Apple Music? Lavender is also a great sleep scent, and some people swear by the This Works Sleep Spray available at LOOKFANTASTIC.

Time to slay your self-care

The truth is self-care shouldn’t at all be limited to pampering, luxurious face masks and cleansers – many of us aren’t giving ourselves enough credit for how we look after ourselves every single day.

Take a minute to sit down and look at how far you’ve come, you’ve got this!