10 Self-Care Favorites That Help NU Students Get Through Those Potentially Stressful Times

Before diving into this listicle, it's important to note that not every student at NU experiences immense stress, or even stress in general while on campus. However, we also can't ignore the fact that stress and pressure are sometimes a part of a student's time at Northwestern. Whether you fall into the former or the latter category (or somewhere along the spectrum) is OK, but if you do find yourself stressed at some point, we hope this listicle of wellness and self-care tips from current NU students helps you combat and strive through those feelings!

1. Get Sufficient Sleep

Charlotte Kang, ‘20

"I try to give myself sufficient sleep each night! I used to view sleep as secondary to extracurriculars and schoolwork, but I've realized I feel much more equipped to deal with the day when I'm well-rested" - Charlotte Kang, ‘20

2. Go Outside

Adam Strigenz, ‘20

"While it is quite cold for a few months and there is what seems like an endless amount of work throughout the entire year, getting outside has always been a priority for my mental health. Getting out to the lakefill, taking a jog to the Bahai Temple, and spending time in my backyard are some of my favorites. Even when it's cold outside, bundle up! Fresh air and a little Vitamin D make it worth it" - Adam Strigenz, ‘20

3. Clean Your Room

Gabi Bitting, ‘21

"Even though I may sound like someone's mother, clean your room! It is one of the important things that we can forget to do or push aside when life gets busy at Northwestern. Not only is it good for your physical health (because things are ~clean~) but it is so good for your mental health when you can come back to a space that gives you peace and does not add stress onto your life" - Gabi Bitting, ‘21

4. See Friends

Haley Hultquist, '20

"To battle the stress, I always make an effort to reach out to friends to schedule a dinner in the city, ice cream at Andy's, or even just a quick lunch on the Lakefill. Even when it seems like you don't have 5 minutes to spare, it's beneficial to step away from your work for a little while and relax with friends" - Haley Hultquist, '20

5. Go To The Gym

Claire Kuwana, ‘22

"Find time to exercise! It can be really difficult, especially when you first get to school, to prioritize exercising when schoolwork and everything else can feel so overwhelming. Working it into your schedule is really important as it will make you feel better both mentally and physically" - Claire Kuwana, ‘22

6. Take A Night Just For You

Sakke Overlund, '21

"Take a Friday or Saturday night that everyone else is going out to just curl up in a blanket with some hot cocoa and watch a movie alone" - Sakke Overlund, '21

7. Know Your Limits

Maia Brown, ‘21

"I try hard not to pull all-nighters or super long cram sessions. When I study, I try to focus for a shorter period of time, then take a quick break, and then come back to it. Once my brain stops receiving information, I call it a day. I don't want to put strain on my mental or physical health by pushing myself too hard, and doing it this way actually makes it easier for me to retain the material" - Maia Brown, ‘21

8. Join A Meaningful Club

Shea Randall, ‘22

"Join a club that you actually want to be in and love rather than joining something just because you think it will benefit your career prospects and such" - Shea Randall, ‘22

9. Get Off Campus

Yuhka Niki, ‘21

"I like to get out of the campus every now and then to give myself a semblance of life outside of schoolwork and academics" - Yuhka Niki, ‘21

10. Do What Is Right For You

Jayna Patel, '21

"I think it's really important to remember that you are the person who makes judgements about what you need for mental health and wellness, before anyone else. Just because it seems like someone else is cruising through an issue that you feel like you may be struggling with does not mean you're the only one going through it. And even more importantly, whatever you're going through is legitimate for you, even if it may not seem to be a problem for someone else. At the end of the day, try to remember that there's not one "right" way to do things at Northwestern or generally in life, and there are many resources here at NU to help you on your path" - Jayna Patel, '21