Opinion

CANDLER: Self-care: The more that you put into yourself, the more you’ll be able to give

Arshauna Candler

Being a college student can be extremely stressful because we are constantly dedicating our energy to different things. 

Often times we have a lot on our plates with academics, extracurriculars and our social lives, but by doing all of these things, we sacrifice our mental and physical health. 

Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your responsibilities and others.

Self-care is important to ensure that you have a balanced life. Without doing some type of self-care, our day-to-day tasks and encounters would be horrendous. Everybody would be frustrated, tired, and unhappy causing their environment to be the exact same.  

Taking time out to care for yourself creates positive vibes within yourself that will ultimately radiate onto others around you. 

I believe that self- care is not just important, but a necessity. 

I, myself, hold executive positions in two organizations while being involved in several other organizations. In addition to those extracurriculars, I am a senior trying to prepare for graduation as well as trying to maintain a social life.  I get burnt out from constantly dishing myself out to so many things. However, I try to always take time to care for me. 

There will be some days where I decide that I will not be doing anything that day. I can decide on a Wednesday, or it can be a Saturday; it does not matter what I say, I deserve that. If you do not care for yourself, you will not be able to operate at your greatest potential.

The more that you put into yourself, the more you will be able to give out. It is definitely okay to be selfish: sometimes you just have to take a step back and say, “today, I am going to put ME first.”  

Look at taking time to yourself as a reward for all of the days and nights you have been grinding to ensure your success.

For some reason, a lot of people feel that you have to have money to have a legit self-care day. This is not true at all.

Having a self care day can be as simple as taking a bath, listening to your favorite music while laying down or lighting your favorite candle. 

Even though going out to eat or a little retail therapy can also be considered self-care, they are not the only options. 

Here are some things that I enjoy doing on my “ME” days:

ν Washing my hair

ν Face masks

ν Binge watching a series or movies

ν Eating good (this can mean having a huge cheat day or meal prepping) 

ν Listening to sermons 

ν Getting a manicure and pedicure 

ν Journaling 

ν Doing something creative 

ν SLEEPING 

ν Taking a long shower 

ν Cleaning up 

ν Lighting a Bath & Body Works candle

ν Watching YouTube videos 

There are some many things that you can do to care for yourself. Find what works for you.