The Necessity of Self-Care in Our Busy Lives: An MSW Student’s Perspective
- Logan Holmes
- Jul 9, 2024
- 4 min read
Picture this:
You're trying to juggle the academic demands of a master’s program, a part-time job, your social life, and personal care, all while training for a marathon. Better yet just picture someone trying to ride a unicycle while juggling flaming torches—blindfolded. This is me most days. The worst part though is the feeling that to everyone else watching in the crowd, that unicycle is invisible.
As a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, a typical day-in-the-life is packed with classes, work duties, managing relationships, and training runs. Sometimes I feel like everyone is each trying to pull me in a different direction, stretching me into a thinner and thinner taffy rope the more that I have to commit to these obligations. Between moving houses right now (or more like back home to my parents - money can be tight as a grad student), trying to go to friends’ birthday events, and caring for two dogs and three cats, having any time for my own self-care can sometimes feel like a luxury that my body and my wallet cannot afford.
Let me tell you, self-care is anything but a luxury - it is a must-have
When I first started my MSW program, I was determined to excel in the academic area of my life. I quickly learned that having determination alone wasn’t enough to keep me afloat. Balancing my academic responsibilities, friends, and a part-time job feels like carrying a backpack full of bricks up a mountain (and again you can bet that backpack is invisible). The heavy load that is maintaining friendships, spending quality time with one’s girlfriend, and staying connected with my family who now lives much farther away, added even more weight to my back. Climbing a mountain armed only with sheer determination will wear you out 100% of the time - you need more tools in that backpack.
Despite a Hectic Schedule, I Know I Have to Make Time for the Activities (or Sometimes the “Inactivities”) that Recharge Me
For example, running isn't just exercise; it's my therapy session. The rhythmic pounding of my feet on the pavement or the gravel is like my own little metronome. The steadiness in my pace gives me an equally steady pace for me to digest my own thoughts and emotions, helping me to recenter myself amidst the chaos of young adulthood. Instead of feeling like I am being pulled apart in different directions, I get to quite literally “choose my own adventure”.
Literally though. Research shows that repetitive and rhythmic motion can lead to greater feelings of self-attunement, especially for those with increased stress that may be interfering with their ability to practice self-care. This isn’t new science, either. A 2014 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that regular physical activity significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression in young adults (Zarrett & Bell, 2014). Then, when I am done with a run, nothing hits the spot more for me than a scoop of peanut butter ice cream. Afterwards, there feels to be a calm and sense of focus that allows me to mindfully return to my tasks at hand.
I also love to be outside. Hiking in the woods and chasing down waterfalls also provide a nature-based take on self-care.
There’s Something Profoundly Healing about Being in Nature - Fresh Air, the Sound of Dirt Crunching Underfoot, and the Sight of No One Else around Me Asking Me to Do Something for Them!
These experiences can ground you, bring you back to your present moment, and help you feel more connected to what really matters around you. And this isn’t just a metaphor. Nature Connectedness: Associations with Wellbeing and Mindfulness, a research article in the Journal of Clinical Psychology highlights how mindfulness practices that occur in the outdoors such as nature hikes, can substantially improve overall well-being and reduce stress (Howell et al., 2011).
But self-care isn’t just about physical activities
It’s also about nurturing our relationships. My friends and family are my biggest supporters, always ready to lend an ear or offer a word of encouragement. Pro-tip: try having an "accountability buddy" - someone who helps you stick to your self-care routine - can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a friend who joins you for a weekly run or a family member who checks in on your progress (or vice versa!), these relationships provide a bi-directional and vital support system. These people are the ones in your life who can see that invisible unicycle - they value you and what you’re working on.
Starting a self-care routine can be as simple as scheduling a block of time each day or week dedicated to activities that rejuvenate you. For instance, you might set aside Saturday mornings for a hike in the woods or commit to a nightly mindfulness practice. Another effective strategy is to integrate self-care into your existing routine. For example, you could walk or bike to work, combining your commute with physical activity.
The Key is Consistency - Make Self-Care a Non-Negotiable Part of Your Schedule
In conclusion, the key to thriving as a young adult amidst the chaos of life is prioritizing self-care. By making time for activities that nourish your mind and body, you’re better equipped to handle the stresses and demands that come your way. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, remember that self-care isn't just about surviving; it’s about thriving. As they tell us all of the time at the School of Social Work, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” So fill up your cup with the things you love to do and the people you love to see, and then watch how much better you can juggle those flaming torches.
My name is Max Sturm, and I am a clinical therapist at Ascend Therapy Group. Welcome to my blog! Here I aim to make information surrounding mental health topics accessible to readers, and serve as a guide and resource to others as they navigate their own mental health journey.
248-238-8069
References:
Howell, A. J., Dopko, R. L., Passmore, H. A., & Buro, K. (2011). Nature connectedness: Associations with well-being and mindfulness. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(3), 207-217. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20737
Zarrett, N., & Bell, B. A. (2014). The effects of physical activity on mental health among adolescents and young adults. Journal of Adolescent Health, 55(5), 625-631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2014.04.013
Comments