Beyond the Burnout: A Self Care Guide for the Semester
Written by Jodie Li
Hello, fall… and hello to the creeping cold, gloomy weather packed with midterms, papers, and group projects. We’ve all been there with nights spent leaning on sensory videos to stay awake (love the dancing fruits or Animal Crossing), heavy eyes in lectures, and a need for caffeine (though I personally swap it for hot water!). It’s the kind of season that makes you wish for a time machine just to fast-forward through the stress.
As a seasoned senior who’s navigated this from freshman to (almost) veteran, I’ve learned these times are difficult, but not unbeatable. The key is to take care of your own needs without guilt. Self-care isn’t a distraction from your success—it’s the foundation that keeps you pumping.
Here are 5 self-care routines to help you not just survive, but thrive this semester.
1. Take 5-10 Minute Brain Breaks
You don’t need long hours to refresh your brain. Sometimes, just 5-10 minutes of intentional “brainrot” is enough to lower your stress and clear out the mental clutter. Step away from your notes and take some deep breaths.
2. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
Sometimes you need a light at the end of the tunnel. Planning a hangout with friends, a nice dinner, or anything that brings you a spark of excitement can be the thing that keeps you motivated through the week.
3. Schedule “You” Time
If you live by your calendar religiously, this one’s for you. Actively block out time in your week dedicated solely to time for yourself. For me, that looks like catching up with friends, watching YouTube, or getting into hobbies like making keychains.
4. Move and Nourish Your Body
Sitting at your desk all day won’t help your brain or body function at their best. Remember to step away—take a short walk or stretch for 10 minutes to release pent-up stress. And while caffeine and instant noodles are the easiest, they won’t properly fuel your brain. Prioritize nutritious food and hydration to keep your energy and mood stable so you can avoid major crashes.
5. Switch Up Your Environment
Studying in the same space every day can turn it into a stress zone. If your desk has started to feel depressing, try a new location, and you might even find a spot where you focus better. For me, that meant heading to public spaces like Perkins or a café (shoutout to Francesca, AAPC’s writing editor this year, for being my go-to study buddy!).
Remember, don’t feel guilty for taking care of yourself. It’s the best way to not only survive these stressful times but to thrive and make the best out of them.
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