Student health and well-being

Caring for yourself so you can care for others

In addition to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively care for the public’s health, the School of Technology for Public Health acknowledges that students must also learn how to care for themselves and each other.

Too often, self-care is seen as a selfish act. If we move through the world exhausted and run down, however, we cannot show up as our best selves, and only when we are in the right head and heart space, can we powerfully problem solve solutions to our world’s biggest problems. In other words, self-care and self-love can be thought of as individual practices that yield transformative collective outcomes.

What is self-care? Despite what we sometimes think, self-care does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. Try to be both intentional and generous with what you call self-care, and remember, the best self-care practices are those you can easily weave into your daily life in affordable, approachable and sustainable ways.

Self-care looks different for everyone, but it should always make you feel more cared for, more relaxed, healthier and happier.

Self-care is kind. Try making space for playfulness, listening to your favorite music and discouraging unsolicited advice.

Self-care is reflective. Try putting your thoughts onto paper, practicing mindfulness and allowing yourself to feel your feelings without judging them.

Self-care is about creating therapeutic rituals. Try stretching or moving your body, cleaning your spaces, drinking plenty of water, reading for fun and eating colorfully.

Self-care exists in dedicated safe spaces. Try organizing a meal with friends, join a book club, ask someone to go for a walk, attend a meeting, go to therapy or connect with a loved one.

Self-care is about how you interact with others. Try going on a social media cleanse, limiting or avoiding time with people who repeat old patterns and traumas, and setting and reinforcing boundaries.