Enrichment Fellows share tips and tricks for prioritizing well-being

As a graduate student, it's easy to get caught up in the hectic cycle of coursework, research and other academic responsibilities. However, taking time for self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Relaxing and unwinding is an important aspect of self-care that many graduate students have come to realize; taking a break from an intense academic schedule can help improve their mental and physical health. We asked five Enrichment Fellow scholars to share their self-care tips to encourage a healthier lifestyle. 

Hugh Downs School of Human Communication

Taking short breaks for prayer (Salat) throughout the day helps me reduce stress and gain confidence. As a father of twin sons, my most significant energy and joy comes from connecting with my children, even though they are currently in my native country, Bangladesh. Whenever I have the opportunity, I cherish conversations with them and find solace in our shared moments despite the distance. I also enjoy watching movies and listening to music to unwind and rejuvenate my mind. These activities serve as a delightful escape, allowing me to briefly step away from the demands of daily life and savor the pleasures of relaxation and self-care.

Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions

Despite my busy academic schedule, I make sure I have regular time to stay connected with my family and loved ones (through audio calls or video calls), considering that we are many miles apart. I have allotted time to work out at the gym in my apartment. I also enjoy “me time,” by listening to my favorite music and watching movies online. 

College of Integrative Sciences and Arts

I love cooking! I enjoy it so much because being able to feed myself delicious, homemade food is a very sweet way to take care of myself. When feeling more low-energy, I like to lounge around with my cat, Lola!

College of Global Futures

Establishing my schedule and intention to be routinely spontaneous has been crucial to my self-care routines. I typically start my day with meditation, followed by exercise. A mix of weightlifting, boxing, running, rock climbing and yoga allows me to sustain my exercise routine over time. Cooking and eating good food alongside my exercise routines is crucial. Finding space to have fun with friends and family regularly is also necessary. Being spontaneous by going to a concert at Crescent Ballroom, watching a football game, enjoying a beer at The Shop, or biking along the lake with these folks keeps a feeling of social connectedness in my life. Also, finding ways to experience peace and balance, whether with myself or in a social space, is hard, but I need to feel centered. Experiencing music, art, literature, fashion via thrifting, and sports helped me find this centeredness.

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College

I like to plan for what the week and days look like. It includes tasks that I enjoy doing throughout the day. That way, I always have something to look forward to getting a quick walk-in and putting some time into cleaning (I don’t like the cleaning so much but love the after-effects). I think the biggest shock I hadn’t anticipated was knowing that at a certain point, I needed to stop, put it [studying/writing] away, and either take a nap or go to sleep and look at things new. I have embraced this practice and find it to be paying off in a big way.

These tips include everything from hanging out with family, practicing yoga or simply taking a few moments to meditate and clear your mind. By incorporating these self-care practices into your daily routines, you can improve your overall well-being and better manage the stress that comes with academic life.

When self-care is not enough, counseling support is available to ASU students 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no cost at eoss.asu.edu/counseling. To find a student club, organization or activity, students should check out Sun Devil Sync at asu.campuslabs.com/engage. Students who have questions on connecting should email deanofstudents@asu.edu.