What is self-care and why does it matter?

Self-care means taking time to do anything that “resets” you or improves your physical and mental health. Some of you may already practice self-care, and some of you may not know how to incorporate it into your routine. So let’s break this idea down because it can be easy, inexpensive, and really worthwhile. 

The Caraway Care Team

November 8, 2022

Self-care means taking time to do anything that “resets” you or improves your physical and mental health. Some of you may already practice self-care, and some of you may not know how to incorporate it into your routine. So let’s break this idea down because it can be easy, inexpensive, and really worthwhile. 

There are some misconceptions that self-care is selfish or self-indulgent. Not true! There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself, but it’s also completely okay if you don’t have a regular or intentional way of going about it. If you don’t, there are simple ways to start:

Take a walk
Go outside and listen to your favorite podcast or playlist, or meet up with a friend. 

Relax
Allow yourself to take a break, take a nap, or watch your favorite movie.

Clean your space
Sometimes, all it takes to improve your wellbeing is to feel neat and organized, so an easy way to do that is by cleaning your room or making your bed. 

Press pause on social media
Read a book or spend time with friends to take a break from social media.

Feed yourself
Cook your favorite meal or take some time to try a new recipe you have wanted to try.

Have some alone time
It can be hard to get time to yourself in college, but a lot of people prefer recharging with some solo time, especially if you’re an introvert.

Reviewed by Sara Levine, MD, MPH, FAAP, Medical Director of Adolescent Medicine and Marissa Branson, LCSW, Mental Health Therapist

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