The Importance of Self-Care in College

The daily college grind of tight deadlines, exams, and navigating relationships can often lead to mental and emotional strain. While it's important to engage socially, it's also essential to prioritize relationships that nurture your well-being. Regular self-care practices can help reduce stress levels and positively impact your mental health.

• Physical exercise is a great way to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve cognitive function. 
• Mindfulness or meditation can help you stay grounded and improve emotional regulation.
• Setting boundaries and avoiding overcommitting to events or activities is also essential for protecting your mental health. It's important to prioritize social interactions that are uplifting and supportive rather than draining.

College students often struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle due to poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and irregular sleep patterns. Neglecting physical health can lead to long-term problems that can also end up impacting mental health.

• Exercise doesn’t have to be intense or time-consuming to be effective. Walking, stretching, and yoga can all significantly benefit your physical health. At Eastern, students have access to a scenic landscape to provide a beautiful backdrop for physical exercise and movement, offering the perfect setting for a natural workout. 
• Healthy eating doesn’t have to be perfect, but being mindful of consuming nutritious foods can prevent illness and keep your energy levels up while you maintain your active and busy lifestyle.

Students often push themselves to the limit, striving for perfection in academics, social life, and extracurriculars. While hard work and dedication are important, it’s easy to experience burnout without adequate self-care, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion.

• Incorporating short breaks into study sessions and life in general can improve productivity and prevent mental fatigue. You can even try blocking off time in your calendar specifically for breaks.
• Engaging in hobbies or creative outlets, such as reading, painting, playing sports, or listening to music is another way to prevent burnout and prioritize things you enjoy. Hobbies that fill you with joy can provide a much needed mental reset and recharge your energy levels throughout the day.

Setting clear boundaries with roommates, such as agreeing on quiet hours, cleaning duties, and shared resources, helps prevent misunderstandings. Open, respectful communication is vital for resolving conflicts and maintaining harmony. 

It is important to have regular check-ins, express empathy, and be willing to compromise on issues like room temperature, cleanliness, noise, or shared space use. This can foster a positive living environment and build stronger roommate relationships.

Self-care is essential for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health during college. It goes beyond bubble baths and spa days; it’s about developing daily habits that foster well-being and success in the long-term. When you prioritize self-care, you can not only reduce stress and prevent burnout but also enhance academic performance and build a foundation for a balanced, fulfilling life.

By recognizing that self-care isn’t selfish, you enable and empower yourself to thrive both during college and into the future, creating a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Atiya Mostardi is the Resident Director of Gough Hall. She graduated from Eastern University in 2019 with a Bachelor's in Business Administration. Atiya is passionate about supporting students and creating a positive residential experience. Outside of her professional role, Atiya enjoys spending time with her family and being involved in her church community. She values building strong connections with others and enjoys engaging in activities that contribute to personal growth and well-being.