The past few months have undoubtedly been some of the toughest times many people have encountered. With the stress of the ongoing pandemic and other difficult situations, students can often forget to take care of themselves.

Sure, we can take a warm bath and apply a face mask to our stress-acne filled faces, but outside of that, what does one do to take care of themselves? How do students here at Guilford treat themselves outside of the simple acts of self-care? 

Sometimes treats come in small packages. 

“It might sound weird but I FaceTime my dog every night. I miss being away from him after six months of being together every day so I call just to see his cute little face,” said senior Caroline Williams. 

Outside of video chatting with those we miss, sometimes it is nice to take a moment for yourself. This can come in different variations like doing simple breathing exercises, at-home yoga or meditation. It is important to remember that treating yourself doesn’t have to cost a thing. Taking a step back, and taking care of yourself, is the most important thing. 

Students can treat themselves on a larger scale as well.

“I personally like to treat myself with shopping and going out for lunch or dinner,” said junior Jodi Flynt. 

In Greensboro we have several popular stores to shop at and restaurants to go to. There are several within walking distance from Guilford’s campus as well, the closest being across the street in Quaker Village. There are not many places to shop but there is a nail spa and several places to grab food like Starbucks and Elizabeth’s Pizza. If you are wanting to cook a nice dinner for yourself there is a Walmart and Harris Teeter in this same area. 

It is important now more than ever for us to remember to take care of ourselves, but students may wonder how to treat themselves without breaking the bank.

“I would suggest getting a blanket and… sitting in nature and really connect(ing) with your surroundings and meditat(ing) during these crazy times,” says junior Amber Dumont. 

If your way of treating yourself involves leaving home, make sure to find a place, preferably an outdoor area, where you can observe social distancing. Remember to follow the 3 Ws: wear a mask, wait six feet apart and wash your hands.

High stress levels can also affect mental health. 

“Honestly, my mental health is still not the best, but giving myself chunks of time where I can just relax is important to me being a successful ACD (assistant community director), friend, employee and student. Your mind needs a break as much as your body does” said Williams. 

When you are feeling overwhelmed, or just feel like you need a break, take a while and focus on you. Do something that brings you joy. Buy yourself a nice dinner, go shopping online or FaceTime someone you love and miss. 

It is also important to remember to lean on each other during these hard times.

“It has helped to treat myself, but mental health is a deeper problem for me and it takes a lot of work with mental health days and relying on my loved ones to get through,” said Dumont.