Self-Care Tips for College Students Preparing to Go Back

You’re preparing to go back to Northwestern University or other colleges and universities. You’re prepping for the next part of your academic journey. You may have mixed feelings about it. Excitement, nervousness, and even a bit of sadness at leaving the comforts of home. The quarter system is fast-paced. And you can go from feeling confident about your classes to feeling overwhelmed in a matter of days. It might even feel like you are entering more new courses than you have time to handle. But don’t worry. With some self-care tips and strategies for college students, you can navigate this transition with grace and ease.

Build in Time to Spend with Friends and Family

When stress or overthinking about the upcoming college quarter creeps in, it’s easy to isolate yourself. All while preparing for the return to school. Yet, having a support system to both vent to and enjoy can significantly improve how you handle stress and transitions. Engaging with fellow college friends allows you to share experiences and gather tips for the new quarter. While spending time with family offers comfort and grounding before heading back to school.

For instance, when you see the material you will be covering in Psych 101. It’s tempting to try to memorize every detail or feel dread because it’s a lot of material. Instead, get together with a friend who has already taken the class and ask them for their best study tips. Not only does this save you time, but it also allows you to connect with someone. Someone who understands what you’re going through. Then, afterward, ask them to go for a hike or grab coffee together. This way, you prepare for the quarter and engage in self-care.

Improve Sleep Schedule

Speaking of setting aside time, this needs to be said for your sleep schedule. Breaks from college offer more freedom to catch up with old friends. But also work extra hours on the job, or binge a new Netflix series. But when school starts back up, it can feel like you’re hitting a reset button on your sleep schedule. To avoid exhaustion and burnout, try to gradually adjust your sleep schedule a week or two before the quarter starts. Also, don’t be afraid to have designated “wind down” time before bed. This can include reading a book or practicing some light stretches.

Imagine this: an hour before you know you’re going to hit that energy wall, put down your phone or laptop. Then do some light yoga in your dorm room. This will help you relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep. But also give you the energy you need to tackle your classes during the day. Or, if yoga isn’t really your thing (or let’s be honest-dorms aren’t exactly spacious), try some simple breathing exercises. Or even some meditation can calm your mind and body before bed. Your body will return to an emotional and physical baseline, making it easier to cope with stress and changes during the quarter.

Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated

Breaks from college not only allow you freedom in your sleep schedule but also in activities you might not otherwise do in college, such as smoking weed with your buddies or eating out more often than not. While nothing is wrong with either of these activities, they can affect how you feel physically and mentally. Drinking and smoking weed can perpetuate cycles of depression and anxiety if you’re predisposed, already diagnosed, or beginning to feel this way when back to college.

To avoid feeling sluggish and unmotivated, try to keep a balanced and healthy diet during your break. This doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in some treats or go out with friends, but make sure to also incorporate fruits, vegetables, and whole foods into your meals. And remember to stay hydrated! Drinking enough water can improve energy levels, concentration, and overall well-being. Here’s a tip for staying hydrated, no matter the circumstance: use things like Liquid IV, a powdered electrolyte mix that can be added to water and provides the same hydration as two to three bottles of plain water.

Get Creative with Your Food

If you’re living in the dorms, it can be hard to find food you like or is healthy. While dining packages are usually the go-to or even come with the dorm room, feel free to mix it up. For instance, try making easy and healthy meals using a microwave or invest in a small blender for smoothies and shakes. This can save you money and give you more control over what you’re eating. Plus, cooking can be therapeutic and a creative outlet when dealing with stress from school.

Restaurants and stores with healthy prepackaged food are also options! For example, Whole Foods near Northwestern or Trader Joe’s has many prepackaged snacks and food that include healthier ingredients. If you’re living off-campus, these can be great ways to cut down on costs (especially if you’re not a fan of cooking) and still maintain a balanced diet. Another solution is to try meal prepping on weekends to have healthy options ready to go during busy school days.

Exercising and Stress Relief

This may seem like a tip you’ve heard multiple times in your life—gym classes, health projects, etc. But there’s a reason why exercising is mentioned so frequently- it really does make a big difference. Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves mood and overall health in the long run. Incorporating movement into your daily routine doesn’t mean you need to spend hours at the gym or go for intense runs every day. Find activities you enjoy, such as dancing, yoga, or even just walking outside. Or, look up gyms that seem like they might be a great fit. For instance, do they open early enough so you can squeeze in a workout before class? Do they offer classes that interest you, like kickboxing or spin?

Finding an activity that gets your body moving and releases endorphins can help alleviate stress and improve your overall well-being, even if it’s just a couple of times a week. Plus, college campuses often have athletic fitness centers. For example, Northwestern has a discounted athletic fitness center for students and offers classes like strength training, yoga, and even boxing. If gyms are not your thing, finding outdoor areas like parks or trails can also be a great way to get exercise and relieve stress. A great example is if you are going to Northwestern, running by Lake Michigan or walking with friends along the lake can be beautiful and peaceful.

Get Outside

The weather in Chicago and Evanston, IL, will be warm for another month or two when you go back to college. Taking advantage of this can help your mental health. For instance, in Evanston, there is a lot of green space near the Northwestern campus, and of course, the lake is there too! This means you can get fresh air while taking breaks from studying or walking to class. Being outside can improve your mood and help alleviate stress levels.

Additionally, getting some sunlight can also be beneficial for both physical and mental health. Sunlight helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, which is important for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and immune system. It’s also been linked to improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression. So, instead of staying cooped up inside all day studying, try to take frequent breaks outside or find a spot outdoors to do homework or study. Also, it can help alleviate the manifestation of SAAD (seasonal affective disorder), which can occur during the colder months of the year when there is less sunlight. But remember, fall in Illinois is also beautiful and an excellent opportunity to get outside and enjoy the colors of the changing leaves.

Need More Support? Therapy for College Students in Chicago and Evanston, IL

Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious during college is completely normal. Many students experience these difficulties, and it’s important to reach out for support when needed. Most universities offer counseling services for their students, providing a safe and confidential space for students to talk about any issues they may be facing. Additionally, therapy for college students in Chicago and Evanston IL options are available outside of the university setting in the surrounding Chicago and Evanston areas. When you choose an independent practice like Evanston Counseling, you won’t have to worry about constantly seeing someone you know on campus. With independent practices, you can have more stability as college counseling services are helpful but typically rely on undergrad or grad students who are trained to manage a reasonable caseload.

But when they graduate or move on? You’re back to square one. However, with a private practice like Evanston Counseling, you have the option to continue seeing the same therapist throughout your college years and beyond. And they can also provide referrals for additional support if needed. Was it mentioned Evanston Counseling is also very close to Northwestern? Also, if you’re not a fan of in-person counseling or if your schedule doesn’t allow for it, there is an option for an online therapist in Chicago and Evanston, IL.

 

Remember, seeking therapy for college students in Chicago and Evanston, IL is not a sign of weakness. It takes strength and courage to acknowledge when you need support and to take the steps towards getting it. So don’t hesitate to reach out and prioritize your mental health, especially as Northwestern starts back on 9/22. Taking care of yourself emotionally and physically can ultimately lead to a more successful academic experience. You are not alone in this journey—many others are going through similar experiences. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when needed. Best of luck with your college journey! Happy studying! :)

Prepare to Be Back with Therapy for College Students in Chicago and Evanston, IL

As the start of college approaches, it’s important to prioritize your mental health and well-being. Transitioning back to campus life can be challenging and bring up a range of emotions. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or overwhelmed, know that therapy and counseling services are available for college students in Chicago and Evanston, IL. At Evanston Counseling, we specialize in working with college students. We understand the unique challenges students face.  Our therapists are experienced in helping students navigate academic, social, and personal stressors to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling college experience.

Whether that’s with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Chicago and Evanston, IL or other evidence-based techniques, we’re here to support your teenager’s mental health. We offer a range of online therapy options, making it easier to fit counseling into a busy college schedule. Don’t wait until you’re feeling overwhelmed or burned out; start prioritizing your mental health now and reach out for support if you need it. Take the first step toward a happier, healthier teenager by following the steps below:

1. Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
2. Speak with an experienced teen therapist.
3. Feel prepared and supported for the start of college!

Other Therapy Services Offered at Evanston Counseling in Evanston, Chicago, and throughout Illinois

At Evanston Counseling, our commitment extends beyond offering Therapy for College Students in Chicago and Evanston, IL. We provide a range of therapy services to support you in your mental health journey. Our therapy services include Therapy for Moms, Teen Counseling Therapy for Young Adults, and, cater to individuals facing challenges like  Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Pain and GI Distress. We embrace diverse therapeutic modalities, including Hypnotherapy, Pet Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ensuring a personalized approach that meets the unique needs of those seeking support. Reach out to learn more about our therapy services and how we can support you or your loved ones.