I’ll admit it. Last semester I burned out. Completely and totally burned out. I was in class all day and studied all night. I wasn’t sleeping enough and skipped meals because I either didn’t have time or just didn’t feel like spending the money. I wasn’t putting myself first and it was a huge mistake. It ended up being one of my worst semesters grade-wise.
After I got through such a low point, I realized the true importance of self-care. Making sure you take time for yourself, make time for meals, and get enough sleep is SUCH a game changer. Even though I’m taking rougher courses this semester, I feel so much better because I’ve been taking time for myself. Another way to keep from burning out is to make sure you have a good support system. Here’s where The Sunflower Project comes in.
The Sunflower Project
The Sunflower Project is a movement by my friend Sara of Sara Laughed. It encourages positivity, balance, and self-care in college. Through blog posts, a Facebook group, and Instagram challenges, we are hoping to spread happiness and healthy habits on college campuses.
Here’s where the good support system comes in. Sara created a Facebook group called the Sunflower Circle as an offshoot of The Sunflower Project. The Facebook group is for college students seeking support and community in pursuing a healthier, happier lifestyle. There are regular themed discussion threads that encourage self-reflection and a positive mindset. It is a place to make friends, find community, and focus on your health and happiness in college!
Since joining the group, I’ve been able to reflect on my happiness and motivation on a daily basis. Even if I can’t find the time to sit down and write out a response to the day’s prompt, it still gets me thinking about my goals, my lifestyle, and reminds me to continue to take time for myself to avoid burnout.
#GrowGratitude Instagram Challenge
#GrowGratitude is a two-week Instagram challenge (beginning March 7th) where participants are encouraged to take a picture of something they are grateful for every day, using daily one-word prompts which are listed in the challenge photo below! Be sure to hashtag #GrowGratitude on your posts because Sara will be re-gramming her favorites!
Do you have a self-care story? What is one thing you do for yourself every day?
Thank you so much for this post! It’s extremely eerie that you posted this right after I basically posted a cry for help on Facebook about this exact problem. I’m stressed, burned out, and this semester will most likely go down as one of my worst. Thank you for this advice and the resources!
Sunny – astoldbysunny.com
Author
You’re so welcome! I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. Last semester was SO rough for me so I can imagine what you’re going through. It’s tough. Just take a step back and remember why you’re doing all that you’re doing. That usually helped me get through a rough patch. Tell yourself that from now on you’re going to remember to make time for yourself! Start by getting enough sleep and taking time out to do at least ONE thing for yourself every day. No excuses. And join the Sunflower Circle! It has been great so far at reminding me of everything I should (and need!) to be doing for myself.
Very nice reminders for us all! I recently did a post on this myself!
Love these reminders and the idea of showcasing it on Instagram!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
This is so amazing! I think everyone could use a daily reminder to be happy and motivated!
There are no words for how much I love this! Self care is something that I know I struggle with, and it would be great to have a community of people to talk about this with that I know are struggling with similar issues. This is such an inspirational Instagram challenge too! Love this!
I couldn’t agree more, self care is SO important. I try and always make sure to take a little time for myself every day whether it’s a great workout, a relaxing bath or even a few moments of silent reflection before bed. Without self care I go crazy really quickly!
I have been loving reading all of these posts. I agree, self-care is essential!
Self-care is essential to your well-being and happiness! I’ve been really struggling with remember to take me time, definitely a good reminder!
xo Ashley
I am enjoying your posts! Such a great read.
This is great! Self-care is so important, I learned that in college and have tried to keep it up in adulthood. It’s really been great and I think I’m better for it!
xoxo
I love Instagram challenges like that! And also fully support you concentrating on self-care. So important!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
I 100% agree that self care is so important! One thing I do to care for myself is at home spa treatments. I’ll soak in the tub and do a face or hair mask. Not only do I look better, but I feel better.
XO, SS || Seersucker Sass
Oh how fun! I’ve never heard of the sunflower project but I wish I’d known about it in college. So important, you have to take care of yourself first and foremost.
Xo
Sara Kate Styling
I love this group and I’m loving the instagram challenge so far too! 🙂
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