During the busiest point in semester, it\u2019s easy to get to a place where you feel like you\u2019re running on fumes. The trick is to put in preventative measures before you get there. Self-care is super important for preventing burnout \u2013 and we\u2019re not just talking about bubble baths or an afternoon nap here or there (though, we wholeheartedly support both). We\u2019re talking about taking intentional steps to look after your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing on an ongoing basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help introduce self-care into your routine, we\u2019ve created a short guide on how you can create a self-care plan. Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, how do you make self-care a priority when you already have a packed schedule? It\u2019s all about creating a plan that works for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Identify your needs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step is to figure out what you need. Are you feeling physically exhausted? Emotionally drained? Mentally overwhelmed? Understanding your needs will help you determine what type of self-care will be most beneficial. Types of self-care to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Set realistic goals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you know what areas of self-care you want to focus on, set some SMART goals.<\/a> Maybe you want to start with something small, like a 10-minute meditation each day or going for a short walk after class. The key is to choose things that are S<\/strong>pecific, M<\/strong>easurable, A<\/strong>chievable, R<\/strong>elevant, and T<\/strong>ime-bound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Schedule it in<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Life gets busy, but if you don\u2019t schedule self-care, it\u2019s easy to push it aside. Treat self-care like any other important commitment. Whether it\u2019s five minutes of stretching in the morning or a quiet hour with a book on Sunday, make sure to block out time in your calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Be flexible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s okay if your self-care plan changes over time. Some weeks you might need more rest, while other times, socialising might be what recharges you. Listen to your mind and body, and adjust your plan as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An example of a self-care plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Struggling to know where to get started? Here\u2019s an example of what a simple and realistic self-care plan could look like. Remember, this can be tailored to fit your unique needs and schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Daily Self-Care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weekly Self-Care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Monthly Self-Care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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