Hello! My name is Meg, and I’m a senior at the University of Cincinnati. I am planning on receiving my degree in psychology with certificates in Deaf studies and pre-art therapy. I hope to continue my studies with graduate school in a few years. Senior year has not been an easy one, and with the added stress of everything happening in the world – on top of finding a grad school that fits me – self care has been especially important to me.
The meaning of self care has changed a lot for me over the years. When I was younger, I thought of self care as bubble baths and face masks. While I still think that can be great, I’ve realized that’s not the only kind of self care. Self care over the years turned into ordering food, putting sweats on, and taking a nap. I still consider this self care, but I was overusing it and started sleeping too much, which just made me feel more tired. It wasn’t until recently that I’ve started to change up my self care routine into a more meaningful experience.
I have always been interested in art, but never seem to have time for it. I recently have incorporated art into my self care routine by doing at least 10 minutes of some form of art whether it be drawing, collaging or painting. This not only helps to relax me, but helps me to get back in touch with something I’m passionate about. I have also taken up working out more, and have started to consider it part of my self care routine. I always saw working out as a chore, but when I changed the way I view it, I find it easier to be motivated and I always feel much better after working out. I am always looking to add new things to my list of self care options. I’ve learned – for me, personally – that it’s better to have self care options in case one doesn’t seem as relaxing for me that day. In the future, I’m hoping to start collecting books, and hope to add reading at least 2-3 chapters to my self care routine.
Self care can look very different for you, and it’s okay if your self care routine needs to change over time or day to day. Life can be stressful – especially lately – and it’s important to remember to take care of ourselves no matter what’s happening in the world. In the words of Princess Diana, “Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.”
Meg