Student Learning Success: Self-care

You're probably reading this guide because you'd like to make some healthy lifestyle changes. Just remember, change takes time and patience. These tips can get you started:

• Reflect on habits you’d like to change.
• Plan how to make small changes.
• Seek help when you need it.
• Be kind to yourself when you fall short of your goals.
• Don't give up.
• Celebrate your successes.

Developing healthy habits means taking good care of yourself:

• Consider all aspects of your health: mind, body, emotions, and spirit.
• Eat healthy foods, saving fast foods and sugary and high fat snacks for the occasional treat.
• Moderation is a good rule for pretty much everything in life!
• Seek out emotionally supportive relationships.
• Find time for self-care, whatever that looks like for you.
• Stay hydrated, remembering that alcohol and caffeine dehydrate.
• A little exercise daily is better than major and sporadic workouts.
• Be sure to prioritize sleep.

Sometimes, we are our own worst enemies! Being kind to yourself takes time and practice:

• Changing ingrained behaviours and beliefs about yourself, and your academic abilities, can be very challenging especially if you lack emotional supports.
• If you were bullied, belittled, beaten up, or made to feel stupid as a kid, you might need some help to improve your self-image. That's okay!
• Stress, anxiety, and depression are common problems. Very few people can overcome these challenges without help.
• Be kind to yourself, avoiding negative self-talk and harsh judgments. Think “I’m learning!” instead of “I suck.”
• Hang out with people who like you for you.
• If you find yourself trying to escape difficult feelings through drugs, alcohol, TV, Internet, games, etc., talk to someone.

Writing down your plans is a good way to remember and commit to them. Keep track of what works well and do more of that. Drop ones that don't work:

• I’ll go for a 15-minute walk when I’m feeling stressed out.
• I’ll cut back to one large cola a day.
• I'll eat one serving of vegetables each day.
• I'll meet with one supportive friend/family member/classmate/counselor each week.
• I'll go to bed one hour earlier each night.

If you do not feel safe and secure in your current living arrangements, seek assistance right now. Report bullying or threatening behaviour on campus to Counseling, Campus Security, or the Ombudsman!