The importance of self care and self care ideas for busy high school students

For us, high school can feel busy, overwhelming, and stressful, from balancing between classes, homework and studying, sports and activities, and family and friends. It can be hard to prioritize time and wellbeing for ourselves. 

Self care is about listening to our mind and body and attending to what we need to stay healthy and happy. Engaging  in self care reduces our anxiety, boosts confidence, and improves focus which are all beneficial for school life. When students take the time to rest and recharge, we are actually setting ourselves up for success academically and emotionally. In our society today, social media usually promotes consistent productivity and comparison. A common misconception in prioritizing self care is that it is not a sign of weakness but a sign of self awareness. Self care ensures that you have the energy, mindset, and mental capacity to handle them. 

Here are 20 self care ideas for high school students in order to stay recharged and balanced:

1. Journaling – when writing freely about your thoughts and feelings as well as your day and goals will help relieve tension and stress
2. Positive affirmations – starting the day with positive thoughts will make for a great day
3. Get enough sleep – try to get 8+ hours of sleep
4. Skincare night – taking care of your skin is very important and it is also very relaxing
5. Unplug – turning off notifications and having a technology break is very important
6. Go outside – spending time outside is very healing
7. Take movement breaks while studying – dancing, stretching and jumping jacks are just a few ideas
8. Stay hydrated – drink lots of water and keep track of how much water you’re drinking
9. Create a vision board – add goals, inspirations, and quotes that will motivate and inspire you
10. Mediation – try deep breathing especially before bed
11. Take a long bath or shower – self explanatory, very relaxing
12. Try a new recipe – this is something offline and fun to do
13. Give compliments – spreading happiness makes you happy too!
14. Workout and physical activity – physical activity is so important and healthy 
15. Make a bucket list – to keep looking forward to something
16. Make a Pinterest board – something that’s fun and to also keep you organized
17. Do a “worry dump” – writing all your thoughts, emotions and worries and then tearing it up helps relieve stress
18. Create a gratitude jar – write one thing you are grateful for and open it at the end of each month
19. Buy a small plant and name it – take care of it as a reminder to care for yourself
20. Try sound therapy – listen to rain sounds, ocean waves, or singing bowls