The start of a school year often comes with stress — new classes, new routines, and new expectations. As we kick off this new busy season, don’t forget to keep self-care a high priority. It may sound counterintuitive but taking necessary steps to improve your life can actually make it easier to stay on top of other tasks. Here are 15 ways to improve your life and self-care – even with a busy schedule.
Make Sleep a Priority: Lack of sleep is a common issue among both students and parents. It may seem like sleeping less is a way to get more hours out of the day, but sleeping 7-9 hours a night will improve your mental clarity and overall productivity.
Take Breaks: Don’t be afraid to pause when needed—working or studying for hours without breaks can lead to burnout. Just like the old saying goes, “Sometimes you need to slow down to speed up.”
Connect with Loved Ones: Connecting with others creates a supportive network that helps alleviate stress by providing comfort, perspective, and a sense of community.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Find activities you enjoy and make exercise a part of your routine. Physical activity releases endorphins, improves mood, and boosts overall well-being.
Just Say No: It’s essential to establish healthy boundaries to protect your time and energy. Practice saying no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities or cause excessive stress.
Set Aside Time Each Day for Something You Enjoy: Even if it’s just 10 minutes, setting aside a little time each day to do something that you love can really boost your mood.
Spend Time in Nature: Even if it’s just sitting outside with your laptop while working, time spent in nature is a strong part of any self-care routine.
Practice Mindfulness: When you focus on what’s right in front of you, you’re focused on the present – not worrying about the past or future. It can also clear mental clutter, helping you think more clearly and creatively.
Practice Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself as you would to a dear friend, offering support and encouragement.
Take a Break from Screens: Set aside time to put down your device, step away from the screen, and engage in activities that nourish your well-being.
Practice Gratitude: By regularly reflecting on what you’re thankful for, you reduce negative emotions like envy, frustration, and resentment. This shift in perspective can decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, creating a more optimistic and resilient mindset.
Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to talk to someone—whether a friend, counselor, or family member—if you feel overwhelmed.
Try Deep Breathing Exercises: When you take slow, deep breaths, your heart rate slows, blood pressure decreases, and muscles relax. This shift helps reduce the “fight or flight” response often associated with stress, promoting a state of calm.
Write it Down: Journaling provides an outlet express worries, frustrations, and anxieties, which helps to release tension and prevent those feelings from becoming overwhelming. This practice can serve as a mental “unloading,” reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation.
Create a Self-Care Routine: Develop a regular self-care routine that includes activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul. This can be as simple as taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or practicing yoga.
About Michigan Mortgage Lender, Julie Krumholz from Superior National Bank
With over 35 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Julie Krumholz from Superior National Bank is a trusted resource and friend to homebuyers. Julie has worked in processing, closing, loan origination, underwriting, and QC auditing and has even co-owned a mortgage brokerage firm. Julie applies her knowledge to help first-time and seasoned homebuyers with a seamless homebuying experience.
