Schoolin' Self-Care: Practicing self-care in graduate school (Even when it's hard)

Self-care has become a bit "on trend" and a buzz word lately. But what does it even mean? And if you're like me, and back in graduate school, what does it even look like? ​

According to Psych Central, “Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.”

Self-care isn't just "treatin yo self"...or bubble baths...and candles. But, this is a lot of what we see these days. Self-care can indeed be those comforting activities. But, while in school...self-care is also choosing to put your phone away at a certain time each night instead of aimlessly scrolling before you go to bed. It's choosing to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals instead of eating out too much. It's setting aside time to do the things you love. It's giving yourself permission to cry when times (or classes) get tough. And sometimes, self-care is taking a day off just for YOU...and NOT going to class. Because, here's the thing. The work will always be there...Your to-do list will always get additions. But your life...your health, well-being, and peace won't. 

The above self-care practices are actions that I've done so far this school year that I am confident will benefit my well-being in the long run. And hear me when I say this...It is NOT easy. Often, I am literally SCHEDULING my self-care so that I hold myself accountable. Other times...I fall into the trap of overworking and self-care is challenging. But, intentionality is what is key. Self-care is about intentionally doing what we can to take care of ourselves and prevent burnout, which is all too common for graduate students. In fact, research has shown that graduate students face more stress and mental health issues than they will at any other point in their career, especially given that many graduate students are wearing multiple hats and juggling multiple life commitments and responsibilities.
So, what are some other things you can do to practice self-care in graduate school? While there’s no exhaustive list, here are some ideas:

• If you are a grad student working non-stop during the work week, take AT LEAST one day each weekend to unplug and do absolutely NOTHING.
• Set boundaries for yourself. For example, maybe you DON'T put your school email on your phone...or maybe you ONLY check your emails from 9am-5pm during the school/work week. 
• Sleep. Aiming for eight hours is hard. But, maybe you don't need 8. Besides, no one knows you better than YOU know YOU. How much does it take for you to wake up well-rested and your best self.
• Create (and stick to) a morning and night routine.
• Eat nutritious food. This is an important one. It cannot be emphasized enough that what you put into your body will determine how your body thanks you. 
• Get and stay active. Even if it's just 10 minutes a day.
• Take time for things you enjoy  (writing, reading, working out, drawing, netflix,;etc.).
• Tell yourself positive things. 

Graduate school is hard....But schoolin' self-care doesn't have to be. You've just got to decide what class is more important. 

Your Favorite Self-Care Queen,

Dia xoxo