Somewhere near the bottom, between 'cleaning my room' and 'drafting that college essay'. Am I right?

Self-care was one of those things I'd 'get around to someday'. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that 'someday' never came. It took hitting rock bottom for me to realise I actually mattered and taking care of myself isn't selfish. In fact, it allowed me to be a better, shinier version of myself which helped my relationships, college performance and overall happiness.

Being a millennial in college is hard. We're expected to have a full-time course load and a part-time job and we usually create a side-hustle because our part-time job doesn't allow us to be as creative as we hoped. This all comes before actually having a semblance of a life, such as friendships, dating, learning how to cook and how to manage our finances. Sometimes, I feel like us millennials were just thrown into the deep end and told "good luck!"

It's not surprising our practice of self-care fell by the wayside as we tried to figure out how to be an 'adult' in this big ol' world.

01. Write

Create a blog, Twitter account or Instagram handle. Write. Allow yourself to feel your emotions and move through them in a constructive way. Somedays, I feel a certain way and I can't figure out why until I start writing. The whats and whys flow out of me and it all feels much more real when I see it written out in black and white. 

I started blogging as a way of creating a journal for reflection. That way eight years ago. I've met some of my best friends and had some great experiences through blogging. I wouldn't change it for the world. It has helped me grow as a person, connect with other like-minded people and made me realise that self-care isn't selfish.

If writing online isn't for you - invest in a journal, buy an adult colouring book or start a bullet journal. Find a way to express how you're feeling in a way that feels valid for you.

02. Exercise

But I don't have time to exercise! I barely have time to sleep. I feel you. The thing is, Elle Woods was right when she said: "happy people just don't shoot their husbands". This example may be a little extreme, but exercise releases endorphins and they make you happy. Exercising doesn't have to be a scary crossfit workout or the latest 'make you want to die' exercise. It can be as simple as going for a walk around the block or playing in the park with your dog. I've found that getting outside is half the battle but I always feel 100% better for having done it.

03. Do what you love

I love to read, blog, play The Sims 4 (no shame), exercise and bake, so I make time for those activities. Yes, there are things I 'should be doing' but I would not be happy if I only did those things day in, day out. It's all about balance. Find a hobby, join a book club or gym or social sport, or attend a night class. Hell, put aside some time to just do nothing. 

04. Relax

Easier said than done, especially when you're following a hectic college schedule. Sometimes, you have to force yourself to stop. Even if it's only for half an hour every day. You need that time to reflect, celebrate your accomplishments and recharge. 

05. Go tech-free for a day

Wait, what? We're millennials and students. I'm 90% sure I've never gone a whole day completely technology-free. It's just not in our nature, but it could be in our best interest. I don't know about you, but my phone is constantly going off, I'm always receiving emails and my Fitbit watch is constantly telling me to move my ass. I'm grateful for everything that I have and I appreciate technology absolutely, but it gets overwhelming. And distracting.

Put your phone on DND for a day. Don't watch Netflix. Ignore your inbox. The world won't implode, I promise.

06. Talk it out

College is a unique place to build friendships. Most of the time, you're surrounded by people with the same core interests. Try to talk to someone new in your major classes, even if it's just about how you're perpetually late or how you can't survive without caffeine. Heck, you're in the same class so talk about why it interests you! (Or how you're only in this class because it's a requirement and oh my god, make it stop.) 

New or old, friendships (and romantic relationships) are great modes of practising self-care. They're the people who are supposed to build you up, take care of you, and be your sounding board when you need them. Sometimes, it just takes a simple coffee date with an amazing friend to take you back to your perky, sparkly self!

07. Take time out

I'm an introvert (or ambivert) so being around people 24/7 (especially the same people) really drains my energy. I'm a fairly social person and absolutely love connecting with friends and new people, but it is mentally exhausting. By the end of the week, I'm wanting to spend some time by myself. I don't do it to be rude, I do it to survive. Sometimes being with friends is the answer, sometimes being by yourself is the answer. 

Personally, I find curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee to be the perfect recharge. Find a technique that works for you and make time for it every week! A friend of mine exercises every day as her way to recharge whilst my sister loves taking baths (especially with Lush products). 

There's no right or wrong answer to self-care. It's all about what works for you.

How do you practice self-care? Are you an introvert or extrovert? What did you study in college/university?

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Recently Read is a bi-weekly feature of The Paralegal Club and it aims to showcase some of my favourite blog posts from the week. Due to it being bi-weekly, the posts themselves may be two weeks old, but I've only stumbled upon them whilst researching for this blog post. It's a mish-mash of everything! Food, fashion, law, lifestyle posts or just a good ol' journal entry. I love it all! 

If you're a blogger and want a chance to be featured, please head over to my contact page and flick me an email!

#01: 5 Strategies for a Healthy Lifestyle When Working from Home - Laura Platts

Laura's blog, The Workher, has been put on hiatus, but she still has some amazing content for women entering the workforce. I wish I had found her blog sooner! I have been studying from home for the last two years, so I have a pretty set routine for myself, but I found her post reinforced my own logic and was a very friendly pat on the back. It will definitely help anyone working or studying from home or thinking about attempting the transition! 

#02: Why You Need a Morning Routine - BecauseGirls

I thrive on routine. I am dependant on it, right down to my bowl of oatmeal and cup of coffee in the morning. I've found what works for me - now you can do the same! BecauseGirls gives you a neat list of things to try in the morning to help with your routine and set you up for the day.

#03: How To Know If Online Courses Are Right For You - Kayla Karrandjas

90% of my life is online. It was strange and jarring at first, but I've found a nice routine and it really works for me. I've found I'm much more flexible with my time, routine, and general daily life. I'm not rushing around and panicking about being stuck in traffic for a class that lasts fifty minutes. It's heaven!

#04 & #05: Where Should You Go To Law School / Another Law School Will Let You In Without Taking The LSAT - Above The Law
Picking the college that is right for you is stressful. I've heard the LSAT prep and test is stressful. I don't know if anyone is thinking about going to law school, but these posts are definitely worth a read!

#06: Career or starting a family? As women, can we do both & are we holding ourselves back? - Sophie
My goodness, it's like this girl reads my mind! A few posts back, I talked about having some pretty lofty goals for myself. Most of them are career-driven. I have a few friends who talk about wanting to climb the career ladder but are hyper-aware of the biological clock. They're in conflict with themselves and they're bringing it upon themselves! Can we have it all? Check out Sophie's post and chime in on the conversation!

#07: Studying Playlist - Fit Future Attorney
I've just started listening to music whilst studying as well and I think it really helps! My go-to is Vitamin String Quartet, but check out this blog post if you're needing inspiration!

#08: Motherhood: Self-Care isn't Selfish - Megan Gilger
I feel like on a soul-level. I'm a mother, so my wants and needs are always at the bottom of the ladder. The amount of sacrifice that goes along with being a parent is extraordinary and something you won't understand until you're in the position yourself. It isn't just giving up the random online splurges, triple shot flat whites or lazy Sunday lie-ins, but it's about giving up your absolute essence (temporarily) so you can help this tiny, helpless baby thrive in his (or her) new environment. Self-care is something I'm trying to practice more, so this post really hit home for me.

#09: The yummiest banana and coconut bread - Nicola
It's like I turned twenty-four and a flip switched in my brain. Suddenly I'm Betty Crocker and I have all the time for baking. I don't think my son will be complaining about that! I'm a huge fan of banana bread (any bread #breadlife) so I think this will be my next endeavour!

#10: The Last Phase of My Twenties - Sophie Cliff
It was my birthday this week, so I have a certain affinity for 'my life is changing but I'm going to enjoy it to its fullest' posts. This is the post I'm talking about. Thirty is an age that is taunted and daunted by a lot of people. Hell, I had a quarter-life crisis at the ripe ol' age of twenty-four! Sophie, however, has put such a positive spin on things that you just have to go have a read. Even if you don't turn thirty for another six years. 

~

What have you been reading lately?

Twitter is about connecting and talking to different people. We share snippets of our lives in 240 characters (or less). Instagram is about sharing pretty photos with a heartfelt caption. It's all about the aesthetic and "doing it for the 'gram". Snapchat is figuring out how many weird filters you can use before your friends hate you.

Blogging encompasses it all. People pour their hearts and souls into their blog. Some people live and breathe blogging. Some have made it their full-time job.

We shouldn't be jealous. We should be applauding them. We should be shouting their content - content we love - from the rooftops so everyone can read it. This is my rooftop shout. 

Every week, I will be sharing my ten favourite reads. You better keep an eye out. Your blog might make it onto this list, too.

#01: How To Become A Full Time Blogger - Gemma Louise
I have admired Gemma for a long, long time. Her web design is beautiful and second only to her writing. This girl has a way with words and I'm not surprised that she's managed to work up to being a full-time blogger. It just goes to show how hard-working and dedicated she is! My advice: Read her post and take her advice. Blogging is a lot more than just sitting around and sipping on lattes.

#02: Getting Ahead In Any Line Of Work - Claire
Claire is an old friend of mine. We met through blogging and haven't looked back since! She's another blogger who tells you what you need to hear when you need to hear it. She has tips that are invaluable, especially when you're trying to get into your chosen line of work. There's nothing quite like going the extra mile and putting in some proper effort, right?

#03: Don't Feel Pressured By Blogger's Beauty Standards - They're Unrealistic - Chloe
I don't know how many times I've looked at a blogger's Instagram page and been hit by the green-eyed monster. It's easy to compare your life to another when you're looking at the highlight reel. Remember: That's all we see because that's what brands want us to see. Bloggers work very, very hard to get what they have, but they're also real people, too. Their 'normal' is not our 'normal', and that is ok.

#04: 7 Things To Do In Your Twenties That Will Make You Successful Later On In Life - CGD
Fun fact: You can't sit back on your laurels. Ever. You need to work to get anywhere in life. Career Girl Daily is a wealth of knowledge with tips and tricks on staying productive, podcasts, and interviews highlighting power women. If you haven't heard of them, you definitely need to check them out!

#05: How I'm Balancing Working With A Baby - Hannah Gale
I've had a slight girl-crush on Hannah since the dawn of time. I've developed an auntie-like crush on her son, Atti, too. You feel like you really get to know people when you read their blog for several years straight, which is exactly what I've done. Honestly, Hannah has killed it and continues to be a complete blogging badass mother, too. I could be biased because I have a son of my own, but balancing being a parent with anything else is hard.

#06: 16 Self-Care Tips To Try Today - Zest of Alice
I've noticed quite a few self-care blog posts floating around the blogosphere as of late. I'm feelin' them. So often, we put ourselves at the bottom of the ladder and we're the ones who suffer. Fair? I don't think so. I'm guilty of neglecting self-care, so this blog post is a well-timed kick in the ass. We all have a duty of care to ourselves. Now it's time to honour it.

#07: Newsletters of Note - Sophie
I'm sick of logging into my Gmail account to see a) no new emails, or b) emails that are the latest scam or spam. It's disheartening and makes me want to ignore my inbox for one million years. After reading Sophie's blog post, I can say that my inbox should be filled with delightful newsletters (at the very least!).

#08: Scheduling In Law School - Libby
I know, I know. Victoria, you aren't in law school! You're telling me. I, however, can appreciate a good schedule. I like knowing what I'm going to do and how other people plan their time. I'm nosey, sue me (please don't, I'm sorry). Still, if you're considering going to law school or wanting to know what the classes are like, you should check out Libby's blog!

#09: But Can You Tell Me Again? - Kate
I feel Kate's post at a soul-level. I'm a new (ish) mother too and this ish is hard. Back in the day, you got a gold star if the baby was fed and had a clean diaper on. Now, you should be cloth-diapering, breastfeeding, not co-sleeping but baby-wearing, have just the right amount of stimulation without TV and god forbid you even think about baby led weaning. Just like a new job, we have to trust that we're doing the right thing (and ask questions when we're really lost). Fun and games.

#10: How To Wake Up At 5am - Daniella
I get up at 5:45am and that's early enough for me, thank you very much; however, I cannot deny that Daniella has some good tips. In fact, I might use some of them on Monday morning when my alarm(s) are screeching at me from across the room. Good morning.

#11: How To Stop Catastrophising - Above The Law
I haven't reached the 'catastrophising' phase...yet. I hope you haven't either. Hopefully, we can learn to manage it when it does hit us like a tonne of bricks. Because it's coming. I'm sure of it.