By Erin Rebello

In this day and age where the world seems to never sleep, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle bustle of everyday life. Being a student only adds onto this mountain of stress, adding assignments, extracurriculars, and a social life to the mix. When trying to balance various commitments and responsibilities, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Sometimes it takes a little break to remind you that you’re not alone.

That’s where the art of self-care comes in. If you’ve kept tabs on the media lately, you’ve probably noticed the words “self-care” popping up a lot. In these past few months, the notion of self care has gained traction across various social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. But what is it, really? In its purest form, self-care is the prioritization of one’s own needs; putting yourself first. Though it may seem fairly basic, and though you may feel like you already put yourself first, self-care is a lot deeper than that.

In our day to day lives, we often put our own needs and wants last without even realizing it. Have you ever pulled an all-nighter to finish a school assignment? Surprise, surprise- you’ve prioritized your schoolwork over your physical health. Ever skipped out on an outing with friends to pick up a shift at work? You’ve made another of your priorities clear. While prioritizing certain things in your life is in no way wrong, it just goes to show how easy it can be to put seemingly important tasks before our mental or physical health. Though you might have a workaholic mentality, taking a break is a crucial bit of selfcare advice that will help you prosper and also prevent burnout.

So, what can you do to put yourself first; how can you practice the art of self-care? Listed below are a few examples of self-care that you can easily do to improve your lifestyle and overall wellbeing:

• Eat healthy foods and make sure to drink enough water. Though this goes without saying, proper nutrition is key to not only physical, but also mental wellness. Nutrient deficiencies can leave a person feeling constantly exhausted, meaning that improving your diet can significantly improve your lifestyle.
• Catch up on those Zzzz’s. I know how hard it can be to get enough sleep, and trust me, it’s something I struggle with ALL THE TIME. The recommended amount of sleep for a teenager is 7-9 hours, but most teens these days are lucky to get even 6. In my daily life, I’ve noticed that getting enough sleep allows me to feel happier and more energized (duh) during the day, and has allowed me to pay better attention in class.
• Try out a skincare routine! Self-care if about feeling good both inside and out, and cultivating a skincare routine can help with just that. Building on the bases of a good diet and sleep schedule, using certain products to nourish your face will help to keep it looking and feeling great. Try out moisturizers and toners to keep your face supple and smooth. Use face washes and scrubs to keep dirt at bay- this is especially crucial if you wear makeup often. Treat yourself every now and then to a refreshing face mask! The best part about skincare is the fact that you can substitute just about anything for something natural or DIY’ed.
• Treating yourself. After a long day of work, or a stressful school project, take time to put yourself back together. A treat doesn’t have to be something huge- it can be as small as a cup of coffee from your favourite coffee shop. Every now and then, consider rewarding yourself for your mini victories in life

It’s important to prioritize yourself and put your needs first, sometimes. Though you may be keen on powering through your work, taking a well-deserved break helps to keep you refreshed and motivated. By incorporating self-care into your daily life, you are able to keep a balance between your responsibilities and personal desires, allowing you to enjoy life to the fullest.