Fiveable
Fiveable

or

Log in

Find what you need to study


Light

Find what you need to study

Self-Care Routines and Mental Health Resources

6 min readโ€ขaugust 12, 2021

What is Self-Care? Why is Self-Care Important?

Self-care is taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It can help to avoid things like burnout, which happens when you are under too much stress. Stress is natural, but if it is not addressed it can turn into something bigger. It's important to take time to relax and take care of yourself so that your stress doesn't get in the way of living your day-to-day life. You also want to build yourself up to avoid being brought down by negative thoughts.

There are different types of self care: physical self-care, emotional self-care, and spiritual self care are some of the big ones. Taking care of yourself in each of these areas can improve your daily life. We recommend setting goals for yourself in each area.

How to Care for Yourself During the College Admissions Process

The college application process can definitely become stressful and time-consuming, so caring for yourself during this process is important. Practicing a self-care routine is a great way to make sure you are taking care of yourself throughout the college process!ย 

Self-Care Checklists

You can use these checklists and self-care ideas to help you develop daily and weekly self-care routines that work well for you!ย Make a list of the ideas and activities you find most important. You can even make a self-care planner if you like to be organized. Though everyone's self-care routine may have different activities, self-care is for everyone.

Daily Checklist

  • Drink water and hydrate

  • Move your body! (any form of movement/exercise)

  • Unplug & turn screens off

  • Meditate/practice breathing exercises

  • Shower

  • Eat nutritious foods

  • Work on sleep routine (aiming for at least eight hours a night)

Weekly Checklist

  • Get fresh air

  • Listen to music

  • Connect with support network (friends, family, mentors)

  • Organize your space

  • TREAT YOSELF! (read a book, journal, draw, watch your favorite movie)

  • Work on establishing morning and nighttime routines

Mental Health Resources

Below are a few different resources that you can integrate into your self-care routines or plans.

Campus/School Resources

Campus resources are places you can go to on your college campus for a variety of support. These are often listed on your school's website. While some of these may vary from school to school, here are a few examples:ย 

๐Ÿฅ Counseling Center

Allows you to schedule 1:1 counseling sessions with mental health professionals. This is a great way to take time for yourself while receiving support in a safe space.ย 

๐Ÿ“š Academic Resource Center

Provides you the opportunity to meet with tutors for different classes and attend workshops. This is a great resource to help manage academic-related stress and to stay on top of schoolwork.ย 

๐Ÿคธโ€โ™€๏ธ Gym/Fitness Center

As a student, you might have access to your campusesโ€™ or local fitness center. Exercise is a great way to get in some self-care, and movement boosts mental health!ย If you don't have access, find a local park or trail and spend sometime exercising outdoors!

Mental Health Resources Provided by Fiveable

Mental Health and Self-Care Apps

Downloading mental health apps is a great way to give yourself access to self-care and mental health resources whenever you need them. Here are a few examples:ย 

  1. Headspace offers a variety of mediation and mindfulness programs. The headspace app allows you to select programs from different categories (i.e., sleep) and provides helpful information on the importance of each category.

  2. Peloton offers a variety of exercise and meditation classes. There are also meditation classes on specific topics, which is a great way to individualize your self-care.ย 

  3. Talkspace provides virtual therapy sessions with licensed professionals. This allows you to access therapy from anywhere.ย 

Immediate Resources and Hotlines

If you need immediate support, here are resources that you can access 24/7.ย 

  1. National Suicide Prevention Hotline provides free and confidential 24/7 support. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 1-800-273-8355.ย 

  2. Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 support. You can text "FIVEABLE" to 741741 to be connected with a Crisis Counselor at any time.

Mental Health Resource Chart

Resource NameDescriptionType of Resource
Teen LinkTeen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State.Organization, Free Hotline
National Domestic Violence HotlineHighly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.Organization
HappifyHappify has positive psychology games and resources in an app format.App
National Eating Disorders Association HelplineNEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.Organization, Free Hotline
National Suicide Prevention LifelineA national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Free Resource, Free Hotline
SAMHSA's National HelplineA confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.Free Resource, Organization, Free Hotline
Crisis TextlineFree Textline with access to trained counselors. Text FIVEABLE to 741741Free Hotline
NAMI HelpLineA free nationwide peer-to-peer helpline for giving resources to those struggling with mental health conditions.Free Resource, Free Hotline
Joon Care Free ResourcesDatabase of free mental health resources available to students in a variety of topics. Free Resource
Red Cross Mental Health First AidPsychological First Aid: Supporting Yourself and Others During COVID-19 Online course. Course
mentalhealthbotA group of students created a public chatbot to help kids cope with stress and learn more about mental health.Website
notOK Appย A virtual panic button that connects users with instant mental health support from trusted contacts. App
Fundraising for Mental HealthMental Health America as an organization has set up a fundraiser platform for students to gather funds in their communities for specific goals of mental health advocacy and event planning. Initiativeย 
Mental Health Resourcesย A curated list of 55 mental health resources for people of color. Article
Mental Health ForumsThis article contains many websites and forums for struggling students to connect with others for emotional and educational support.ย Article, Website
Mental Health Resources for POCA list of useful applications for people of color struggling with today's racially tense landscape. These applications have been lauded for creating safe spaces for those struggling with their mental health and could be incredibly useful to include in our Joon mental health campaigns.ย Article
To Write Love on Her Armsย A nonprofit movement with the mission to present hope and find help for people who are struggling with depression, self-injury, addiction, and suicide through a one-week high school interactive program, The program educates students about everyday mental health struggles, what help and resources exist, and how they can play a key role in destigmatizing the conversation around these issues.Organization
Hope SquadA school-based peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Organization
Talking Mental HealthAn introductory video created for children about mental health and other issues.Video
MoodfitA mental health tracking app for users to plan out personal goals, self-care, and stay happy.App
Mental HealthEducational videos created by the British NHS for educating the public on mental health issues and their impacts. Video
Common Misconceptions about Mental HealthAn analytical perspective to mental health to remove false understandings about the community and conditionsArticle
Digital Resources for Mental HealthA comprehensive list of organizations, initiatives, and blogs tied to supporting those suffering from mental health issues.Article
Teen Suicide PreventionMayo Clinic guidance on how to prevent suicide in close friends and connections.Video
Coping with StressCDC collection of websites to deal with stress during COVID-19.Website
Free Mental Health Resources for Stress and AnxietyCollection of free resources and mindfulness tips for those going through mental health issues. Article, Website

Self-Care Routines and Mental Health Resources

6 min readโ€ขaugust 12, 2021

What is Self-Care? Why is Self-Care Important?

Self-care is taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It can help to avoid things like burnout, which happens when you are under too much stress. Stress is natural, but if it is not addressed it can turn into something bigger. It's important to take time to relax and take care of yourself so that your stress doesn't get in the way of living your day-to-day life. You also want to build yourself up to avoid being brought down by negative thoughts.

There are different types of self care: physical self-care, emotional self-care, and spiritual self care are some of the big ones. Taking care of yourself in each of these areas can improve your daily life. We recommend setting goals for yourself in each area.

How to Care for Yourself During the College Admissions Process

The college application process can definitely become stressful and time-consuming, so caring for yourself during this process is important. Practicing a self-care routine is a great way to make sure you are taking care of yourself throughout the college process!ย 

Self-Care Checklists

You can use these checklists and self-care ideas to help you develop daily and weekly self-care routines that work well for you!ย Make a list of the ideas and activities you find most important. You can even make a self-care planner if you like to be organized. Though everyone's self-care routine may have different activities, self-care is for everyone.

Daily Checklist

  • Drink water and hydrate

  • Move your body! (any form of movement/exercise)

  • Unplug & turn screens off

  • Meditate/practice breathing exercises

  • Shower

  • Eat nutritious foods

  • Work on sleep routine (aiming for at least eight hours a night)

Weekly Checklist

  • Get fresh air

  • Listen to music

  • Connect with support network (friends, family, mentors)

  • Organize your space

  • TREAT YOSELF! (read a book, journal, draw, watch your favorite movie)

  • Work on establishing morning and nighttime routines

Mental Health Resources

Below are a few different resources that you can integrate into your self-care routines or plans.

Campus/School Resources

Campus resources are places you can go to on your college campus for a variety of support. These are often listed on your school's website. While some of these may vary from school to school, here are a few examples:ย 

๐Ÿฅ Counseling Center

Allows you to schedule 1:1 counseling sessions with mental health professionals. This is a great way to take time for yourself while receiving support in a safe space.ย 

๐Ÿ“š Academic Resource Center

Provides you the opportunity to meet with tutors for different classes and attend workshops. This is a great resource to help manage academic-related stress and to stay on top of schoolwork.ย 

๐Ÿคธโ€โ™€๏ธ Gym/Fitness Center

As a student, you might have access to your campusesโ€™ or local fitness center. Exercise is a great way to get in some self-care, and movement boosts mental health!ย If you don't have access, find a local park or trail and spend sometime exercising outdoors!

Mental Health Resources Provided by Fiveable

Mental Health and Self-Care Apps

Downloading mental health apps is a great way to give yourself access to self-care and mental health resources whenever you need them. Here are a few examples:ย 

  1. Headspace offers a variety of mediation and mindfulness programs. The headspace app allows you to select programs from different categories (i.e., sleep) and provides helpful information on the importance of each category.

  2. Peloton offers a variety of exercise and meditation classes. There are also meditation classes on specific topics, which is a great way to individualize your self-care.ย 

  3. Talkspace provides virtual therapy sessions with licensed professionals. This allows you to access therapy from anywhere.ย 

Immediate Resources and Hotlines

If you need immediate support, here are resources that you can access 24/7.ย 

  1. National Suicide Prevention Hotline provides free and confidential 24/7 support. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 1-800-273-8355.ย 

  2. Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 support. You can text "FIVEABLE" to 741741 to be connected with a Crisis Counselor at any time.

Mental Health Resource Chart

Resource NameDescriptionType of Resource
Teen LinkTeen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State.Organization, Free Hotline
National Domestic Violence HotlineHighly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.Organization
HappifyHappify has positive psychology games and resources in an app format.App
National Eating Disorders Association HelplineNEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.Organization, Free Hotline
National Suicide Prevention LifelineA national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Free Resource, Free Hotline
SAMHSA's National HelplineA confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.Free Resource, Organization, Free Hotline
Crisis TextlineFree Textline with access to trained counselors. Text FIVEABLE to 741741Free Hotline
NAMI HelpLineA free nationwide peer-to-peer helpline for giving resources to those struggling with mental health conditions.Free Resource, Free Hotline
Joon Care Free ResourcesDatabase of free mental health resources available to students in a variety of topics. Free Resource
Red Cross Mental Health First AidPsychological First Aid: Supporting Yourself and Others During COVID-19 Online course. Course
mentalhealthbotA group of students created a public chatbot to help kids cope with stress and learn more about mental health.Website
notOK Appย A virtual panic button that connects users with instant mental health support from trusted contacts. App
Fundraising for Mental HealthMental Health America as an organization has set up a fundraiser platform for students to gather funds in their communities for specific goals of mental health advocacy and event planning. Initiativeย 
Mental Health Resourcesย A curated list of 55 mental health resources for people of color. Article
Mental Health ForumsThis article contains many websites and forums for struggling students to connect with others for emotional and educational support.ย Article, Website
Mental Health Resources for POCA list of useful applications for people of color struggling with today's racially tense landscape. These applications have been lauded for creating safe spaces for those struggling with their mental health and could be incredibly useful to include in our Joon mental health campaigns.ย Article
To Write Love on Her Armsย A nonprofit movement with the mission to present hope and find help for people who are struggling with depression, self-injury, addiction, and suicide through a one-week high school interactive program, The program educates students about everyday mental health struggles, what help and resources exist, and how they can play a key role in destigmatizing the conversation around these issues.Organization
Hope SquadA school-based peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Organization
Talking Mental HealthAn introductory video created for children about mental health and other issues.Video
MoodfitA mental health tracking app for users to plan out personal goals, self-care, and stay happy.App
Mental HealthEducational videos created by the British NHS for educating the public on mental health issues and their impacts. Video
Common Misconceptions about Mental HealthAn analytical perspective to mental health to remove false understandings about the community and conditionsArticle
Digital Resources for Mental HealthA comprehensive list of organizations, initiatives, and blogs tied to supporting those suffering from mental health issues.Article
Teen Suicide PreventionMayo Clinic guidance on how to prevent suicide in close friends and connections.Video
Coping with StressCDC collection of websites to deal with stress during COVID-19.Website
Free Mental Health Resources for Stress and AnxietyCollection of free resources and mindfulness tips for those going through mental health issues. Article, Website



ยฉ 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

APยฎ and SATยฎ are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


ยฉ 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

APยฎ and SATยฎ are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.