Written by contributor writer Kelsey Horn
In this hustle and bustle world we live in, we tend to forget to take care of ourselves. We think about what’s next on the list instead of what does my body and mind need me to do next. I am currently a junior at Central Michigan University who is majoring in Broadcasting. My daily schedule usually begins at around 8 am when I go to work at the library, then class, a small break for food, more classes, heading to the TV studio, going to after school media clubs, trying to eat dinner before 10 pm, doing homework, and fulfilling volunteer and pledge requirements as the pledge class president of my co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. My day ends around 2 am if I’m lucky. After weeks of this non-stop running and going, I decided it was time for a vacation and to go home to recharge my batteries. I needed to sleep, catch up with my loved ones, and cut myself off from technology and coffee. So, how do you know when it’s time to call it quits for a moment and just relax somehow?
1). When you can’t remember the last time you ate a meal that wasn’t takeout
I think I honestly ate my weight in greasy takeout food over a period of three weeks. (That would certainly explain the giant pimples on my chin!) Papa John’s was my lover and I desperately needed to give us a break. He was not doing me any good! Head home and grab yourself a nice home-cooked meal. If you’re lucky, you may even get leftovers!
2). When you haven’t had a full night’s sleep in… Ever.
Sleep deprivation can be a scary thing. Too many nights without sleep can cause depression, hallucinations, and other unpleasant happenings. Thankfully, I never had any hallucinations, but I reached a point where I was feeling incredibly… Blah. I wanted nothing more to sleep and I irresponsibly put off some of my obligations to stay in bed.
3). When coffee and soda are the only liquids you drink
I admit that I have a slight dependence on coffee. I mean, come on! It’s pumpkin spice latte time! However, when a PSL is the only thing you’re looking forward to and the baristas already know what you want before you say anything, it may be time to give your wallet and body a break and head home. A few glasses of water will do you a world of good!
4). When your under-eye bags become designer
After not taking care of yourself for so long, your physical appearance begins to show that you need a break. Dark under-eye circles, puffy bags, and pale, worn looking skin are all signs you need to relax and listen to your internal cues about what you need. Make-up can’t cover up tired and Michael Kors does not need to be cashing in on your under-eye bags!
5). When you need a hug from your mom
My mom and I have been best friends since I was born. Without my dad around, it was just us making it on our own. The only way we would survive together is if we teamed up. Thankfully, we make a pretty awesome team. When I was growing up, no matter what the problem was, be it friends, boys, or grades, my mom was always there with open arms to give me a big hug and tell me everything would be all right. Now, a hug from mom is my ultimate stress reliever. Try as my boyfriend might to hug me whenever I ask, but it’s not mom’s hug. (Sorry, hon!)
After a short weekend at home, I came back to my apartment with a new outlook on life and a much better attitude. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to just do nothing.
