When you’re constantly bombarded by ads for the latest health and wellness products, it’s easy to feel like prioritizing your well-being requires a lot of time and money. From high-end spa treatments to pricey gym memberships, the idea of taking care of yourself can seem out of reach. However, true self-care is not about splurging on the latest trends. It’s about finding simple, affordable ways to nurture your mind, body, and academic resilience.
This blog teaches you how to embrace self-care in a way that strengthens your ability to navigate academic challenges. After all, the best investments in yourself are often the ones that cost little to nothing at all.
What is Academic Self-Care and Why Do You Need It?
Academic resilience is your ability to adapt, persevere, and thrive in the face of academic challenges. Whether it’s a tough exam, a demanding project, or balancing coursework with other responsibilities, developing resilience can help you overcome setbacks and continue progressing toward your goals. Self-care plays a critical role in this process. By taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, you build the strength needed to handle stress, stay motivated, and maintain focus.
And, yes, self-care can include fancy skincare routines or expensive nutritional programs. But it can also be as simple as improving your sleep, eating nutritious meals, and spending time doing activities that recharge you. These habits lower stress, boost mood, and improve cognitive function—helping you stay sharp and ready to tackle academic challenges.
Affordable Self-Care Routines: 5 Places to Start
1. Look Online
A great place to start is one you probably already know: YouTube. You can find guided meditation, yoga, exercise routines, and study techniques that help improve concentration and reduce stress. Additionally, podcasts on topics like time management, motivation, and wellness can provide strategies to improve focus and academic performance.
Many apps and websites offer free resources for self-care resilience. For example, For example, Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer can help with mindfulness, meditation, and falling asleep. With MeetUp, you can find and join groups related to a shared interest or hobby. MyFitnessPal is popular for tracking diet and exercise. There are so many tools online to help you be happier and healthier!
2. Explore Your Community and Resources
The resources your community offers might surprise you. For starters, visit the library in person or online to find books about self-care habits and routines. The library is also great for learning about a hobby or simply discovering books you enjoy. In addition to hosting library events, librarians can often help you find other community resources. If you tell them about your academic self-care interests or needs, they may be able to direct you to low-cost or pay-what-you-can fitness classes, upcoming workshops, local group meetups, mental health resources, study academic groups, and more.
On nice days, go for a walk (a heart-healthy activity!) at your closest park. Being outside can reduce academic stress and anxiety, offering a peaceful escape from life's and university pressures. You’ll also feel mentally refreshed and sharper after giving yourself a break. If the sun is out, you can soak up some Vitamin D (another boost for your health) while you’re at it.
3. Strengthen Connections for Social Support
Catch up with your friends and family members to reconnect and destress. (If you can't make your schedules work in person, find time to chat on the phone.) Even spending just a couple of hours together can make a big difference. Connecting with others is a powerful form of self-care. Social support helps you cope with academic stress, gain new perspectives, and stay motivated. Schedule time to talk with classmates or professors. Whether it’s for academic questions or a casual group study, maintaining relationships can provide encouragement and emotional support when you need it most.
If you’re struggling with coursework, reach out to your professors, academic advisors, or tutors. Seeking help is a sign of resilience, not weakness. Building a habit of asking for guidance early can prevent minor academic struggles from turning into major obstacles.
4. See How Your School and/or Employer Can Help
Some employers provide resources to support their employees' well-being. These may include mental health services like counseling or employee assistance programs (EAPs) and programs that promote physical activity or mindfulness. (You should also be sure you’re taking advantage of any paid time off you’re given!). You may also have an insurance provider that offers programs to support your health like wellness coaching, gym discounts, and nutritional counseling.
Colleges and universities should also recognize how important it is that their students prioritize their health and well-being. At South University, all students can access counseling and mental health services at no additional charge through Be Well at South. The program includes:
- 24/7 mental health services line for in-the-moment support from counselors and connections to resources.
- Telehealth counseling sessions (no insurance necessary).
- A portal where you can access mental health and wellness resources, choose a mental health provider based on your preferences, and schedule an appointment online.
Be Well at South clinicians are here for you by phone and live video conferencing. If you are a South University student and need support, contact Be Well at South at 833-434-1217 or visit the Be Well student portal.
5. Relax and Reflect at Home
Incorporating self-care into your day doesn’t need to take a lot of time or effort. Take journaling. All you need is a notebook and a pen. Then devote five minutes in the morning or evening to write about what’s on your mind. Utilize questions prompts, such as, “What challenges do you face in your education?” and “What academic goals to you have and what are the steps to achieving them?” Reflect on what’s going on in your academic life, your emotions, what you’re grateful for, and how you’d like to grow and change during your university program.
You can also set aside time in your days to explore your creative side. Drawing, painting, or crafting can be done with minimal supplies and help relax your mind. For some, cooking can even be a way to get creative as you figure out how to make food that’s both healthy and delicious. All of these options also give you a chance to set down your phone, step away from your studies, and be in the present without constant distractions from stress or technology.
Find the Self-Care Routine that Fits Your Life
It might take time, but if you’re willing to experiment, you’ll eventually find the self-care habits and routines that bring you joy without ruining your budget. Just know that spending that time on yourself is worth it. In the long run, taking time for yourself will make you happier and more resilient!
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PS: This blog is part of our series on Shaping Resilient Stingrays, which is the goal of South University’s Quality Enhancement Plan. Read more about what it takes to overcome adversity in our first blog in the series: How to Become More Resilient in College and Life .
