Self-Care in School

By
Sarah Frank
Published on
June 27, 2022

Self-Care Diaries

By Sarah Frank

Dear reader,

School can be ruthless. Sometimes school demands we make space in our schedules where there isn’t any, that we push back the clock hands to make more time since there never seems to be enough.

Personally, I’ve found that since there is barely time to take care of my responsibilities, there is even less to take care of myself. I seem to forget that I, too, am one of my responsibilities. In fact, I should be the most important one.

So, with this realization in mind, I tasked myself with a two-part goal: to do self-care more frequently and to find multiple forms of self-care that work for me. Lately, writing has been best for me. I use prose (stories) for an escape, poetry for expression, and journaling for a combination of both. Depending on what I need in that moment, I can write it into existence.

Another thing that I’ve found to be helpful is clearing time in my day to do the little things. I needed to put it in my Google calendar to make it happen but I always abide by my calendar. Last night, I did the small things that make me feel like I am taking care of myself: washed my hair, tweezed my eyebrows, painted my nails, used my rose quartz roller, etc. Self-care doesn’t have to be this big event: it can be a combination of little things or even just one. Self-care can be small, it just needs to be.

As I’ve been trying out different forms of self-care, it led to an ironically stressful brainstorming session but it led to a list of ideas. 

The body, mind, and spirit are inherently connected but I split my list by category. This way, I can evaluate what I need to look after and then determine how. 

Caring for the body is important because our body is, in a way, our home. Taking care of it allows us to feel better physically, which makes it easier to enjoy life in other ways. 

  • Hair care
  • Get a smoothie
  • Yoga/stretching
  • Exercise
  • Drink tea
  • Just rest
  • Go for a walk
  • Drink more water

 

Caring for the mind is like watering a flower: it helps sustain it, helps it grow. Long-term sustenance through present care is something we all need but frequently undervalue. 

  • Journaling
  • Meditation
  • Reading (not for class!)
  • Coloring
  • Unplug from social media
  • Declutter social media
  • Take a mental health day
  • Clean your room
  • Write poetry
  • Unfollow Instagram accounts
  • Set time limits for addictive apps on phone
  • Write letter to yourself
  • Allow yourself to cry

Caring for the spirit is giving yourself what you need in that moment and for that moment. It makes you happy in the present. That happiness doesn’t necessarily last into the future, but that’s okay. Never feel guilty for prioritizing the present over the future: do what you feel you need most. You’re the only one who knows what that is.

  • Trying a new snack
  • Blackout poetry
  • Watching a guilty pleasure TV show
  • Dancing in your room like no one’s watching
  • Be spontaneous
  • Dress up and take pictures
  • Paint nails
  • Stargaze/watch sunset
  • Send kind texts to friends
  • Make a new playlist

Essentially, treat yourself like you would want a friend to treat you. After all, self-care is a form of self-love.

With love, Sarah

Find more free resources here!

BLOG POSTS

see more

Blog Articles

GET THE LATEST FROM SIMPLE STUDIES + FRANK ADVICE

Get updates on resources, scholarships, & more 👇

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.