The Importance of Practicing Self-Care as a Student

Some tips and advice from York students who have been through it all and come out unscathed.

Staying on top of your mental and physical health can be tough, especially during stressful times in the school year. Taking a break from your studies to take care of yourself is important during, and after, the school year — which is why we have listed some great tips and resources available at York University.

1. Take time to socialize with those around you

Focusing on your studies is important, but we all need a break. Arrange with friends, family, and classmates to spend time together, whether it's in-person or virtually. A fantastic way to socialize, and make new friends, is by joining clubs that you find interesting on campus.

The Mayo Clinic notes that taking time to socialize helps lessen feelings of loneliness and benefits your memory and cognitive skills. When you take a step back from your studies, you can return with a fresh mind and motivation to conquer your assignments!

2. Find out how you can be supported on campus

Student support services offers students several resources to aid you in a number of areas. Whether you want to attend workshops, talk to a counsellor, or need emergency support — there are options for you. At York University, the Student Counselling, Health & Well-being department offers a variety of supports to students, including in-person, online, and telephone services, which help in making numerous resources accessible.

3. Take time to recharge your mind and body

Allowing your mind to rest will give you the capacity to produce your best work in return. Aim to get about eight hours of sleep a night; this will help you recover from your day and will give you energy to conquer the next day ahead. Sometimes it may feel easier to stay up all night doing work or studying for upcoming tests — however, good time management skills will allow you to accomplish your academic deadlines, get enough sleep, and will ultimately help you feel better physically and mentally.

4. Practice physical health and activities you enjoy

Getting involved with recreation and physical activity can help improve your mental health, and motivates you to burn energy and have fun. Many gyms, like the Tait McKenzie Centre at York, offer opportunities to join teams, take classes, access workout equipment and more.

Whether you are interested in joining a sports team or taking time to unwind in a guided yoga session — being active provides an opportunity to take a breather from a stressful headspace. Alternatively, you can find instructor-led classes available online through Zoom to get active in the comfort of your own home.

It's time to take the first step!

Prioritizing health, especially during stressful times, will help maintain a positive mindset and encourage improvement to academic and social aspects of life. By becoming familiar with the services available in your school and community, you may find new opportunities to get out, get involved, and take care of yourself in new meaningful ways.