Student self care

Written by Sydney Winders, MT-BC- AMTAS President-Elect

​For most students, summer allows for a refreshing break from classes. This is an opportune time to reconnect with self-care practices. Defined by the Global Self-care Federation, self-care is “​​the practice of individuals looking after their own health using the knowledge and information available to them. It is a decision-making process that empowers individuals to look after their own health efficiently and conveniently, in collaboration with health and social care professionals as needed,” (Global Self-care Federation, 2023). Taking time for yourself is an investment in your future. Use summer break to care for yourself! 
Self-care looks different to everyone. The National Institute of Mental Health provides multiple suggestions for general wellness with self-care such as the following:

• Getting 30 minutes of exercise daily
• Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated
• Prioritizing sleep
• Incorporating relaxation into your routine
• Setting goals and prioritizing tasks
• Practicing gratitude daily
• Focusing on positivity 
• Staying connected to family and friends (nimh.nih.gov)

Citation: 
Global Self-care Federation. (2023). What is self-care?. https://www.selfcarefederation.org/what-is-self-care

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Caring for your mental health. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health