Self-Care Tips for Talking Leaves Season
Are you feeling a little extra stressed this month with the end of the semester approaching and the Talking Leaves deadline inching nearer? Don’t worry! These 7 self-care tips are here to help!
Spend some time with yourself
No matter how long or how short it is, it's important to have at least a couple of minutes each day completely alone doing nothing. It seems easy but actually surprisingly uncommon. We are always doing something, whether it’s watching TV, playing video games, or just trying to fall asleep. The next time you take a break from homework, instead of reaching for your phone, just sit by yourself, breathe, and let your mind wander. You can even meditate if you want! Personally, I find meditation super difficult, but if you can do it, I highly encourage it.
Take hot showers and baths
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, overworked, or stuck while trying to work on a project, a hot shower or bath is the perfect break. It’s relaxing and de-stressing, but it also allows you to continue to ponder and contemplate your work. Sometimes, the best ideas come to me in the shower! You emerge from the water feeling refreshed and ready to keep working. It’s also great if you have trouble falling asleep and need help winding down before bed.
Light incense or candles
Recently, I’ve become obsessed with incense and candles! I just love the smell of incense--it makes me feel so calm and relaxed. Right now my favorite one is the Ppure Nagchampa Frankincense Myrrh incense. Candles are great too! They create a very positive atmosphere and add a glow to your workspace. Sometimes, I do wonder if candles and incense actually do something or just make you feel like they do something... I guess it doesn’t really matter as long as you feel good!
Go outside
Is it just me or when you’re working on a big project, like Talking Leaves, it just feels like one big time warp? You find yourself spending hours and hours in one place (probably your bed or desk) without moving at all? Go outside! Get some fresh air, move your body, and experience a new environment.
Find an off-screen activity that you can do during breaks
I was talking to my advisory the other day about what they do while taking breaks from working and almost every single one of them said video games, TV, or going on their phone. I too, find myself switching from one screen to another during breaks, which isn’t always ideal. It’s super important to find an activity that’s not on a screen since we already spend all school day on Zoom and doing our homework on the computer. Here are some ideas: knit/crochet, make/build something, redecorate your room, draw, take care of plants, paint your nails, etc. I’ve been making a lot of clothes recently!
Talk to a friend
Feeling stressed? Call a friend! Usually, the thing that helps the most is just to talk and think about something that isn’t school. Just laughing about random things can feel super good when you’re stressed. But, sometimes the only way to get through something is actually talking about it. Luckily, your friends are there for you whether you need a good laugh or a good cry.
Keep your room organized
If you're feeling super overwhelmed with work, it’s essential that your workspace isn’t also overwhelming. When I have a big project to work on, a messy room adds so much unnecessary stress! If your space is cluttered, so is your mind.