Let’s be honest—I think we can all admit as college students, we aren’t always the best at taking good care of ourselves. It seems that we exist in the extreme: sleep too much or we’re running on caffeine alone, forgetting to eat or eating the wrong thing, pushing assignments to the last minute by cramming or stressing ourselves out weeks in advance in an attempt to avoid procrastination.
Since the spring semester has just begun, I thought I’d dig into what some experts claim are the simplest self-care and self-soothing habits that just may help take the stress away from being a student. 
Aromatherapy
Okay, so this might veer a bit on the crunchy side, but I’m a strong advocate for essential oils and the role they play in aiding relaxation. Lavender, anyone? There’s an oil or scent for everything: sleeping, headaches, calming, congestion, you name it. Rollerballs are especially convenient if you want to dab a small amount on your wrists like perfume. It might sound weird, but a surprising amount of people can attest to the relaxation they are able to find in essential oils. 
Utilize that “save” button on Instagram
To be truthful, sometimes I click it without realizing. Eventually, this can lead to a random assortment of posts I’ve accidentally bookmarked. However, a calming spin on this unique new feature is to save posts you find that put you in a good mood—whether they be inspiring quotes or poetry, a meme you find hilarious time and time again, or in my case, videos of corgi puppies. To each their own, I guess. This way, if you’re feeling a bit high-strung and snippy, whip out your phone and take a quick peek at one of these posts. It just may be the thing to put you in better spirits. Try to not smile and coo at a video of a baby animal, I dare you. 
For those of you who function on a more high-stress level, it might be hard to relax. This next tip could be just the thing. 
Losing yourself in your work
I know, I know. It sounds monotonous. Why would you want to bury your head in homework if all you want to do is kick back and just shut down? It may seem contradictory, but some people can find that placing themselves in work mode and zoning in on a particular assignment actually leaves them feeling calmer; ultimately doing them a greater favor than a quick power nap ever could.
Pamper yourself
Now, I don’t necessarily mean this in the “I’m going to go get a mani/pedi every week,” because like I said before, we’re college students. Who has the money for that? While it would be nice to have a reserved weekly slot at the nail salon, small acts like putting on body lotion after a nice shower, doing a face mask, or perhaps polishing your own nails can really add up. These seemingly insignificant actions can promote mindfulness, giving you a break from school stress while also helping you feel better physically. 
Phone a friend
In this age of intense social media and internet presence, sometimes we forget that there are other methods of communication outside texting and Snapchat. At the end of the day, it’s always comforting to hear a friend’s voice over the phone—especially if you don’t get to see them often. I for one find it particularly centering to call my best friend who goes to school three hours away. If you’re having a tough day, it gives you freedom to vent and ask their advice on how to handle a situation. Hearing someone’s voice in real time beats texting every time. Every. Single. Time. Trust me.
Keep those five simple tips in mind and make this spring the semester of self-care.