Summer has ended and a new school year is in session..
Maybe you’re a student who’s excited to finally be in high school or college, or you can’t wait to see friends you haven’t in months, or you’ve been wearing football fan gear for weeks already.
Maybe you just started your freshman year of college and feel the stress of weed-out classes, or sadness from leaving your home support system, or difficulty in meeting new people as an introvert.
Maybe you’re a parent worried for your child’s safety at school, or lonely as a new empty nester, or are exhausted just thinking about all the PTO events you committed to months ago.
If you fall in the latter two scenarios, self-care is likely the last thing on your mind. Here are five ways you can care for your mind and body when you need it most:
Exercise outside – Fresh air helps with insomnia and sunshine enhances vitamin D production which can boost your mood and immune health. Engage in a form of exercise that brings you joy, but don’t forget to listen to your body when it needs rest!
Take a break from social media – When you aren’t feeling your best it’s easy to compare your life to others and forget social media isn’t always real. Many people, celebrities, influencers, and non-famous people alike, edit their photos to hide what they don’t want you to see. This ranges from minimal edits to heavily doctored photos. If you aren’t ready to take a break, consider following body positive influencers who expose social media hacks.
Learn to say “no” – Know your limits and when you’ve taken on too much. This is especially important if you tend to be a people pleaser. Remember superheroes only exist in comic books, so if you find yourself reluctantly taking on more responsibility it might be time to put the cape aside. It will likely be uncomfortable at first, but it will get easier with practice.
Talk about your feelings – Your feelings and emotions are valid no matter what they are. Talking about them with a trusted friend, family member, or professional can help you process them and reframe your thoughts.
Practice mindful eating – Stress and depression can affect your appetite and hunger cues. Ensure you are eating regularly and getting adequate nutrition. Don’t restrict, but check in with your body and ask yourself if you are eating to avoid feeling your emotions. Most importantly, eat foods that you enjoy!
Written by Shelby Armstrong - Dietetic Intern