As a graduate student, I am no stranger to busy schedules, running from place to place, and sometimes feeling like there just isn’t enough time in one day. Between classes at UC, internship hours at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and working as an intern here at 1N5, my schedule often feels far from simple. I have always been someone who likes to stay busy. Whether that was in sports, or clubs growing up, I have always been someone who enjoys a packed schedule and fast paced environment. However, as I have grown older, I have recognized the importance of being able to pump the breaks and check in on myself. Living on a schedule that is jam packed can keep life entertaining, but it is important to make sure to take time for yourself and your own mental health before things get too overwhelming. Saying no is a skill, and is something that can be hard to do. When I find myself feeling stretched too thin, I often have to do a quick reset, look at my schedule filled with thirteen different colors and hours stretching from 7am-10pm and think, is this too much?
As I pursue my Master of Social Work degree, I understand the importance of taking care of myself so I am able to pour into others, but that is often easier said than done. It can be hard to say no without feeling guilty. Be in clubs, have a job, land the position, be a good friend, get good grades, do it all! In many helping professions, especially in healthcare, burnout is a real concern. Mental health goes hand in hand with physical health, and taking time for self care is just like eating vegetables- a good way to keep yourself healthy. As I have come farther along in my education, I have begun to find simple ways to manage both a hectic schedule and finding time for myself. For me, if something is not on my schedule, it just isn’t happening. That’s why activities like scheduled group workout classes have been a big part of how I take care of both my mental and physical health. Carving out these 45 minutes where I can move my body, feel supported by a group, unwind, and put the world away for a minute has been extremely helpful for me. Being held accountable for showing up to these group classes has been a great way for me to get out the door and take that time for myself. Along with this I love to get outside as
much as I can during the day. Even if this looks like taking a quick 20 minute lunch outside, it is worth it. Doing homework outside or taking a walk to unwind after a long day, feeling the fresh air and getting some sunshine on my face always makes me feel more like myself. A new part of my self care routine that I am currently trying my best to become more strict about is putting my phone away an hour before bed, and not scrolling until I have been up for an hour in the morning. For me, this may look like reading a book before going to bed, or listening to music first thing when I wake up. Honestly, this has been a very difficult task for me, but when I make it happen I recognize that I have more energy to take on my day. These small adjustments have allowed me to feel more at ease in the mornings and at night, letting go of any built up stress before I move into my next task.
Self care doesn’t need to look fancy or perfectly put together. Taking care of your mental health can look different for everyone, and it is fun to continue to explore new methods of self care to see what suits you best. From workout classes, to painting, reading, listening to music and spending time outside, whatever it may be for you, the important thing is that you are carving out time to do something that you enjoy. In this digital age, it can be very easy to slip into a world of comparing yourself to others and feeling like you aren’t doing enough. Logging on to Instagram and seeing everything from your friend who just landed their dream job in a new city, to a coworker who got engaged, to an old neighbor who now lives across the country, it can be easy to get lost in it all. Taking time to log off, focus on your own schedule and goals ahead, and mix in some time for self care along the way will likely leave you feeling much more refreshed than scrolling into a new week. Small changes in routine have helped me stay on track without stretching myself too thin. Life is a constant balancing game, and finding time to care for your own mental health is essential to maintaining a healthier, more fulfilling life.