As we begin a new year at CSU, one may experience the impending feeling of stress-induced doom. Seeing one’s class load, adjusting to a new schedule, or simply having to interact with others are just a few reasons why a student can be stressed as they start a new year. If this is you, fear not, because there’s a helpful group of practices called Self-Care.
Self-care is simply anyone’s healthy way of coping with their daily stresses, and it is necessary if one wishes to improve their general quality of life, especially while attending university.
A recent study by Life Coach and author of The Secret Law of Attraction: Master The Power Of Intention, Katherine Hurst, founder of LawOfAttraction.com showed that regular self-care practices can improve physical health, increase self-awareness, boost mood/general positivity, and increase productivity.
Here are 4 self-care hacks, so you, too, can live your best life in college:

1. Participate In Therapy:
Therapy is not exclusive to those who have experienced life altering trauma or individuals with mental illnesses; anyone can benefit from going to therapy. With the hustle and bustle of college life, it helps to have an unbiased, third party opinion who can provide advice on how to cope with it all.
“A mental health professional may provide a fresh perspective on an issue,” says GoodTherapy.org, “Therapy can promote one’s self-esteem, relationships, and outlook on life.”
There are plenty of resources for students to access therapy, the most immediate being the CSU Counseling Centers, now on both campuses.

2. Eat Well:
With how busy college life can be, many feel as if they don’t even have time to eat. Food to the body is like fuel to a car, and if one does not have proper and regular sustenance, they can burn out.
A great way to combat hunger due to time constraints is to eat lightly throughout the day; if you know that you won’t be able to eat regularly within your schedule, pack snacks. Eating well may also assist in having a well-balanced diet.
A study by NHSInform.scot states that, “A well-balanced diet provides all of the energy you need to keep active throughout the day,” as well as, “nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness.”
If you can’t make a snack, there are multiple convenient eating options on campus such as the P.O.D. markets, Einstein’s Bros. Bagels located in the Main Campus library, and Chick-fil-A located on the first floor of Davidson among others.

3. Get Active:
Regular physical activity of any kind is one of the best ways to care for oneself. Whether it’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator, skateboarding/longboarding to get around campus, or exercising regularly, consistent physical activity is a must for a better well-being.
Healthline.com states that regular exercise can “make you feel happier, increase energy levels, reduce your risk of chronic disease,” and “help your brain health and memory.”
The Campus Recreation Center offers a rock climbing wall, an aquatic center, multiple activity-based classes, and a vast variety of workout equipment for all of your exercise needs.

4. Get Some Sleep:
After a long day of learning and socializing, a regular sleep schedule can work wonders for a generally tired student body.
The human body is like a smartphone; we have a specific working time frame, before we need to recharge. Sleep is like a charger, in this case. This is why regular rest is necessary.
A study done by VeryWellHealth.com states that sleep “reduces stress, makes you more alert, and improves your memory.” It goes even further to say that, “napping makes you smarter.”
So whether it’s going to sleep early instead of pulling constant all-night study sessions, or simply making time for naps periodically, a better sleep schedule could be the difference between a stress-filled collegiate experience versus a care-free one. If you have trouble falling asleep, taking a hot shower or bath, aromatherapy, or listening to relaxing music are some great options for unwinding after a long day.