Boston University

04/30/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2026 01:13

Your Guide to Self-Care When Low on Time

Your Guide to Self-Care When Low on Time

Between classes, internships, club meetings, and exams, time can feel like the most limited resource for students. While self-care is essential, it often ends up last on the to-do list. But taking care of yourself doesn't have to be time-consuming.

Student Life

Your Guide to Self-Care When Low on Time

Quick ways to support your mental and physical health during a packed exam schedule

April 30, 2026
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Between classes, internships, club meetings, and exams, time can feel like the most limited resource for students. While self-care is essential, it often ends up last on the to-do list. But taking care of yourself doesn't have to be time-consuming.

Over time, I realized that self-care isn't about doing everything; it's about doing something. And especially during hectic weeks (finals season!), even the smallest task can make a big difference.

Whether you're cramming for exams or running between review sessions along Comm. Ave, here are quick, meaningful ways to prioritize your mental and physical health, even when your schedule's stacked.

1. Turn Transitions into Mini Breaks

Walking from Sargent to CGS? Use the 20-minute stroll to unplug and recenter. Ditch the texts and emails. Instead, try intentional walking: take in your surroundings, breathe deeply, and listen to a calming podcast or playlist. Even a few minutes of intentional disconnection can reset your brain.

2. Hydration is Fuel

It's simple, yet often forgotten, that dehydration can quickly drop your focus and mood. Keep a reusable water bottle visible on your desk and in your backpack. If plain water feels boring, try adding lemon slices, cucumbers, or a splash of electrolyte powder for a quick energy boost.

3. The 5-Minute Rule

If it takes less than five minutes and makes you feel better, do it.

This might be:

  • Stretching your back after hours of studying at Mugar.
  • Cracking your knuckles.
  • Standing up to take 10 deep, conscious breaths.
  • Tidying one small area of your desk.
  • Sending that quick, overdue text back to a friend.

Little habits add up over time and make a difference in building momentum for well-being.

4. The Non-Negotiable: Prioritize Rest & Sleep

If you only have time to do one thing for yourself, prioritize sleep. A 20-minute power nap between classes or choosing an extra hour of sleep instead of scrolling on your phone in the morning or at night can make a huge difference in your mood, immune system, and cognitive ability to focus and retain information. Sleep can be your study tool.

5. Write Out Your Thoughts

Journaling not your thing? Try a quick data dump to clear your head. Type one full sentence into your Notes app summarizing your current stress, or record a 30-second voice note about how your day went. Getting thoughts out of your head and onto a page (or audio) can be surprisingly grounding.

6. Hit Up a Friend

Social connection is a huge part of self-care. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't overthink it. Send a quick "thinking of you" text, call someone while walking to class, or just share a TikTok or Instagram Reel in the group chat. It helps remind you that you're not doing this whole college thing alone.

7. Make Your Space Feel Like a Break

Even if you don't have time to deep-clean your dorm, focus on small resets. Just making your bed, clearing study materials into a designated pile, or turning on an essential oil diffuser can give your space a mental reset. Your environment affects your mindset more than you can imagine.

8. Take Advantage of Campus Resources

You don't have to do it alone. BU's Wellbeing, FitRec's fitness classes, and Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offer accessible support, many of which are drop-in or virtual. A 10-minute check-in or a quick class might be precisely the energy shift you need.

Remember:

Self-care doesn't have to be aesthetic. It's not about perfection, it's about maintenance. The more you check in with yourself, even briefly, the easier it becomes to notice what you need.

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Boston University published this content on April 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 01, 2026 at 07:13 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]