10 self care tips for high school students

1. Make Time for Physical Activity

Physical activity is one of the most important components of self-care, as it helps to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall physical health. Whether it's playing a sport, going for a run, or simply taking a walk around the neighborhood, it's important for learners to make time for physical activity each day.

2. Prioritise Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for both physical and mental well-being, yet many learners struggle to get enough rest each night. To make sure you're getting enough sleep, it's important to establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens for at least an hour before bed, and create a relaxing sleep environment.

3. Stay Organised

Staying organised can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This means setting goals and creating a plan to achieve them, keeping a calendar of deadlines and important dates, and prioritising time for studying and completing assignments.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that can help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote overall well-being. This can be done through meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment and breathe deeply.

5. Connect with Others

Social support is an important aspect of self-care, as it can help to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Whether it's spending time with friends and family, joining a virtual club or local sports team, or participating in community service, it's important for learners to connect with others and form strong social connections.

6. Seek Help When Needed

If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, it's important to seek help. This can include talking to a trusted adult, reaching out to a school counselor, or talking to an external mental health professional. At UCT Online High School our Support Coaches are there to support our learners throughout their online learning journey.

7. Create a Self-Care Routine

Creating a self-care routine can help you make self-care a consistent part of your daily life. This means setting aside time during the day to focus on self-care activities, such as taking a walk or practicing mindfulness. It's also important to make self-care a priority and to schedule it into your daily routine, just like you would schedule in time for studying or completing assignments.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

Self-care also means being kind to yourself and being mindful of your thoughts and feelings. This means avoiding negative self-talk and instead, focusing on positive affirmations. It's also important to practice self-compassion, which means being understanding and patient with yourself, rather than being overly critical.

9. Take Care of Your Physical Health

Physical health is an important aspect of self-care and should not be overlooked. This means eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding unhealthy habits. It's also important to make regular doctor's appointments and to address any physical health concerns that may arise.

10. Take Breaks

It's important to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus. This can be as simple as taking a few minutes to step away from your work and take a walk or even just closing your eyes and breathing deeply. 

Find What Works for You

Self-care is a personal journey and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to experiment with different self-care activities and to find what works for you. This might include a mix of different activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and social support.

Self-care is essential for high school learners to stay healthy and balanced during this challenging time. By incorporating physical activity, prioritising sleep, staying organised, practicing mindfulness, connecting with others, and seeking help when needed, learners can work towards a happier and healthier life.

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