10 Tips for Self Care

1. Practice sleep hygiene by going to bed and waking up at the same time each night, making sleep a priority by scheduling it like any other daily activity, avoiding electronics use right before bed, and limiting naps to 20 minutes or less.

2. Make sure you are eating balanced meals at least three times a day. If you are in class all day, bringing a lunch box is a great option. Visit CHAW to learn more about nutritious, delicious, quick and easy food options

3. Take advantage of the water bottle refill options across campus as a way to stay hydrated!

4. Don’t be afraid to use the services FSU off ers! Free counseling is available to all students at the University Counseling Center and is a great way to make sure you stay aware of your emotions. Check out more FSU services on the next page!

5. It sounds simplistic, but breathing is an important part of self-care. Try 4-7-8 breathing on the go (In class, in the car, while studying, etc.) • Sit down comfortably with one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. • Breathe in slowly but deeply. Take 4 seconds to breathe in, feeling your stomach move in the process. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. • Breathe out as silently as you can manage, taking 8 seconds. Once you reach 8, you should have emptied your lungs of air. • Repeat as many times as you need, making sure to stick to the 4-7-8 pattern.

6. Find and stay engaged with other people in your community who you have identified as your empathetic and open support. Process your feelings with them.

7. Spend time playing and simply enjoying life. Find things that you love doing and do them with the people who make you laugh. This goes beyond the community we find in going out to party. Go to an arcade, the beach, the movies, bowling, etc. Things that allow you to be in the moment and have fun.

8. Find what you believe that gives your life meaning and purpose, whether this is religious or not.

9. Focus on your goals , values, and beliefs and assess whether those are congruent with your life. It is important to set your priorities in a way that aligns with your values.

10. Find enjoyment in what you study: If you’re not able to study what you love, the key to self-preservation is to find some aspects of it that you really enjoy.