Balancing a schedule of classes, schoolwork, and deadlines can be stressful. It is important to take care of yourself when you are stressed out. Taking a break to rest and recharge can be very helpful. According to the American Psychological Association, self-care is defined as, "activities or behaviors that enhance mental, emotional, and/or physical health and well being." Whether your self-care activity is eating a healthy meal, going for a walk, taking a nap, coloring, painting, listening to music, dancing around your room, or talking to a friend-- self-care is an important tool for taking care of yourself. If you are feeling stressed out, a self-care activity can help you to feel calmer and more centered.
Examples of Self-Care Activities:
Free Online Wellness Classes:
There are a couple of free online classes which teach students how to live well, and take care of themselves.
The Oxford Dictionary of Psychology defines positive psychology as, "the psychology of valued psychological phenomena, such as contentment and satisfaction (with the past), hope and optimism (for the future), and happiness and well-being (in the present). It focuses on positive subjective experiences, such as love and aesthetic appreciation; positive individual qualities, such as courage, interpersonal skill, perseverance, originality, and wisdom; and positive social phenomena, such as cooperation, altruism, and tolerance." It defines self-actualization as, "the motive to realize one's latent potential, understand oneself, and establish oneself as a whole person."