Hello, welcome back to blogging for student success! February is the month of love and appreciation, so what better way to celebrate than to practice self-care and love for yourself! With the various items in our calendar, email inbox, to-do lists and more, it is important to focus on self–care to avoid burn out. Here are some key concepts and resources to help as you approach the midpoint of the semester. 

What exactly does self-care mean? And most importantly, what does it look like, especially as a graduate student? 

•  Start with the essentials: Sleep, Nutrition, Exercise! 
  • As a graduate student, one can be overwhelmed and believe they are more productive if they keep working and pushing through while neglecting personal care. Sleep, exercise and nutrition power the mind, restore the body, and strengthen multiple systems in our body. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep! Read more here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29073412/ 
  • Did you know that eliminating high-fat, high-sugar foods and low caffeine intake can contribute to high stress levels? As you navigate this semester and beyond, try to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into your daily routine. Check out this College Student’s Guide to Stress Management from Purdue University Global.
• Practice positive self-talk and affirmations
  • Being a graduate student is far from simple, there are deadlines, exams, projects, the list truly goes on! Practice being kind to yourself, and if you find you are thinking negatively or getting overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Remind yourself of your positive attributes and why you are on this graduate journey. Here are some great positive affirmations for college students.
• Leave time in your calendar for things that are non-school related and that bring you joy
  • What is something you really enjoy doing and makes your heart sing? For some people it’s reading, for others it’s shopping, for some it may be spending time with people they love. Whatever it is, do it! Your life does not need to be consumed by school all the time. Even if you don’t know what that non-school related activity is, here are some ideas to help you get started: https://theeverygirl.com/hobbies-at-home/ 
• Ask for help and build a community of people who build you up and support you
  • We can’t stress this one enough! There is a common misconception that you should have it all figured out by graduate school and you should be completely independent. The reality is that we all need help and support, no matter what stage in life we are in. Please reach out to your Student Support Specialist, faculty advisors, peers, mentors and fellow CGU staff because we are all here to guide you through this journey. 

Did you know there are resources at CGU to help you focus on your well-being? 

Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS) serves the entire 7C’s community. Services include counseling services, and group sessions committed to providing excellent mental health and psychological wellness. If you are searching for tips to balance yourself as a graduate student, we recommend these upcoming workshops and visiting their page for more information! 

Health is extremely important but can feel challenging to access in these times of remote work or distance learning. As a student of The Claremont Colleges you are eligible for 7C Health. This convenient, virtual service is completely free, available 24/7, and allows you to be safely and accurately diagnosed and treated online. The great thing about 7C Health is its offering of both physical and mental health services. If you have not setup your account, we encourage you to visit their website and do it today!

How do you practice self-care? What are some interesting hobbies you think other students should try? Who is in your community? Remember this space is for YOU! If you have any questions or suggestions we invite you to email us at student.engagement@cgu.edu.