As students, it is important to recognise that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. As Our lives are often a whirlwind of lectures, assignments, and social activities, leaving little time for ourselves. International Self-Care Day, celebrated on 24 July, is the perfect reminder to take a step back and focus on our own wellbeing. Here’s how you can embrace self-care and make it an integral part of your daily routine. 

Understanding Self-Care 

Self-care is all about taking deliberate actions to preserve or improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly to practicing mindfulness and ensuring you get enough sleep. The goal is to find what works best for you and integrate it into your lifestyle. 

Physical Self-Care 

Stay Active 

Exercise is not just about staying in shape; it’s also crucial for your mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. 

Tips: 

• Join a sports club: KCLSU supports over 70 sports clubs. Why not try something new? Take a look at our list of clubs here. 

• Check out King’s Sport & Wellness. They have a variety of services and resources for you to stay active, including a timetable of activities, workshops and excellent gym facilities. They also have an Active Wellness Scheme which includes 1-1 sessions with a trained coach to give you tips on how to be more active. 

• Explore London on Foot or Bike: Take advantage of the city's parks and scenic routes. 

• Try a home yoga or pilates workout. There are so many videos on YouTube to try! 

Eat Well 

Nutrition plays a key role in how we feel. A balanced diet can improve mood and energy levels. 

Tips: 

• Make use of the facilities at King’s! King’s Sport & Wellness Centre offer weekly nutrition sessions with a wellness coach that all King’s students can attend. Check out more information here 

• King’s College NHS Health Centre also holds regular 1-1 clinics with a qualified dietician, who can advise on having a healthy, balanced diet. 

• Meal Prep: Plan your meals in advance to ensure you’re eating healthily even during busy weeks. 

Prioritise Sleep: 

Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. 

 Tips: 

• Create a Bedtime Routine: Establish a consistent routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. 

• Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens at least an hour before bed to improve sleep quality. 

• Read more of our tips on sleep here. 

Mental and Emotional Self-Care  

Practice Mindfulness: 

Mindfulness can help you stay present and manage stress. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can be very effective. 

Tips: 

• Join a Meditation Group: The Chaplaincy offers weekly guided meditation sessions open to all King’s Students. Read more information here. 

• Use Aps: Try mindfulness apps like Headspace or Calm to guide your practice. 

Connect with Others: 

Human connection is vital for emotional wellbeing. Make time for friends and family, and don't hesitate to seek support when needed. 

 Tips: 

• Join a student group: Student groups are a great way to meet like minded people and build a support network. We have over 350 activity groups, and 70+ sport clubs at KCLSU, so why not try one? 

• Engage with KCLSU Wellbeing’s services. During term-time, KCLSU wellbeing puts on weekly sessions where you can meet people and try something fun, such as pot painting or ping pong. Find more information about our in-person support here. 

Manage Stress: 

Stress is a common part of student life, but it’s important to manage it effectively. 

 Tips: 

• Time Management: Use planners or digital tools to organize your tasks and avoid last-minute stress. 

• Take Breaks: Ensure you take regular breaks during study sessions to rest and recharge. 

• Try doing something arty! Art allows us to express ourselves freely, channelling our thoughts and emotions onto the canvas. We have a whole post on how art can help reduce stress; make sure you take a look here! 

• Read more about managing stress in our post here. 

Building a Sustainable Self-Care Routine 

The key to effective self-care is consistency. Rather than waiting for burnout, incorporate small self-care habits into your daily routine. Remember, self-care is personal – what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different activities and find what best supports your well-being. If you need more guidance on establishing a self-care routine, make sure you read our guide here. 

Final Thoughts 

International Self-Care Day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your self-care practices and make a commitment to prioritize your wellbeing. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of student life and make the most of your time at KCL. 

KCLSU Advice also has a guide on self-care, which you can read at the bottom of this page. 

Stay tuned to the KCLSU website for more tips, resources, and upcoming self-care events. Here’s to a healthier, happier you!