I want to practice self-care

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is self-defined. It’s about listening to your body, identifying your needs and taking steps to reach them every day. Self-care isn’t selfish and, its a vital and integral part of maintaining optimal health and well-being. Taking the time to do certain activities that nurture your body, mind and spirit directly impacts your overall academic success and mental well-being.

Person smiling smelling a sunflower

How Can I Practice Self-Care?

As a college student, sometimes self-care can be hard to practice when you’re balancing academics, work, extracurricular activities, family and a social life. What most of us don’t realize is that self-care can be simple tasks that take only a few minutes. The best part about self-care is that it doesn’t cost us anything, it can be a simple few minutes sitting in silence or a few deep breaths. If self-care is a new concept to you, try incorporating some of the tips below written by Aggies for Aggies. 

  1. Unplug and unwind

  2. Take a deep breath

  3. Practice gratitude

  4. Get organized

  5. Take a nap

  6. Move your body

  7. Talk with friends

  8. Make time for fun

  9. Nourish your body

  10. Appreciate yourself

Explore these self-care resources below.

  • Are you too busy for self-care? Read this student blog on steps for building a successful self-care strategy

  • Interested in building personal awareness, developing coping skills and promoting self-care? Register here to attend our You Got This workshop series. 

  • Check out the self-care spots on the UC Davis Mental Health Map

  • Learn more about our on-campus events by visiting our Mental Health Calendar

  • Watch this Ted Talk on why self-care is so important