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We’re nearing the quarter mark of the semester, which often means course loads ramping up, first exams, finding your footing and increased responsibility.
It’s a lot! With so much focus on productivity and keeping up with hectic schedules, we often forget to prioritize ourselves and our needs. But it all starts with you, if you don’t prioritize a well mind and body, you run the risk of burning out and neglecting yourself.
Slowing down and taking inventory of what you need is a great way to remind yourself to stay present. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so taking a second to evaluate your physical and emotional needs is a great first step to recharging and pouring back into yourself.
Here are some restorative activities you can incorporate into your fall routine to help replenish energy and support your mental health!
Self-care activities
- Rewatch your favorite fall comfort film/show
- Me personally, I’m always going for Twilight and Gilmore Girls. They never fail me! Sometimes you just need to unwind and watch something that feels familiar and feels like home can help alleviate recurring stress. Time alone doing something you enjoy can replenish your social battery and allow you to show up better when you return to your obligatory tasks.
- Homecoming festivities
- (Seniors especially) go enjoy homecoming! Go to the game, go to the parade and go see the house decks. You only get so many homecomings in undergrad, so don’t be afraid to disconnect from work and have a little fun. Take this time to allow yourself to loosen the reigns a little bit without feeling bogged down by your to-do list.
- Rest and recovery
- Sleep, sleep and sleep! We have to get enough sleep to fuel our bodies and our busy schedules! You should aim for about 7-9 hours a night. Sleep helps you recover, supports optimal academic performance and improves emotional health. Listen to your body when it tells you it needs rest. More often than not, when we feel ourselves crashing sleep is the remedy we don’t think about trying. If you can’t reach that 7–9-hour mark, try timed naps for a boost of energy!
- Connect with your community
- The people yearn for connection! For a lot of us, college is the first place we’ve had to employ the concept of work-life balance. Big words for Elmo, I know! It’s not an easy feat on top of performing well academically, making enough money to support yourself and remembering to feed yourself 3 times a day. It’s a lot! Setting aside some uninterrupted time with your village throughout the week can help keep you going. Implementing no “phone zones” when spending time with friends can be helpful in trying to stay present. This time doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive; it could be something as simple as calling your mom and catching up or staying in and baking cookies.
Mizzou mental health resources
From educational workshops to 1 on 1 well-being coaching, the Counseling Center and Wellness Resource Center are great places to utilize if you ever feel you need extra support. If you are looking for more individualized support, you should consider making an appointment with the counseling center. Visit the Student Health and Well-Being page for more resources and to learn more about the various services Mizzou offers!
Productivity begins and ends with you, so prioritize pouring into yourself and checking in regularly. Remember, mental health is health! It’s okay to take a break, you’re human, and you come first.
By Raigan Clay