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[sincerelytiredsblog]

Learning How to Make Time for Yourself in College: Prioritizing What Makes You Happy

Being a college woman is exciting, but let’s be real—it's also overwhelming. With the constant juggling of classes, assignments, social events, and maybe a job or internship, it's easy to forget to take a breath and actually focus on yourself. If you're anything like me, you probably feel like there's never enough time in the day to just do something for you. And when you’re already stretched thin, it can feel impossible to carve out those little moments of joy. But here’s the thing: making time for yourself isn’t just a “nice-to-have” thing—it’s a must.

You might be thinking, “I don’t have time for this right now” or “I’ll relax when I finish everything else.” But what if I told you that by not prioritizing yourself, you're actually setting yourself up for burnout? It's so easy to get caught in the cycle of pleasing others, meeting deadlines, and checking off tasks, but that’s not sustainable. If you’re not taking care of your own happiness, everything else is going to start feeling harder and more draining.

The first step to making time for yourself is realizing that you deserve it. It’s not selfish to want to do things that make you feel good or relaxed. Self-care isn’t just about face masks and bubble baths (though those are nice!). It’s about learning to prioritize your own needs and recharge when you’re feeling run down.

So, how do you actually make this happen when your schedule is already packed? Start by scheduling your “me time” just like any other commitment. It might sound weird, but literally write it in your calendar. It can be something as simple as going for a walk, reading a book, or watching an episode of your favorite show without feeling guilty. Even just 15 minutes can make a world of difference.

Setting boundaries is also key. As college students, we feel this pressure to be everywhere and do everything. But you don’t have to say yes to every hangout or group study session. Sometimes, you need to say no in order to say yes to yourself. It's okay to skip an event or decline an invite because you're just too tired, or because you’d rather spend time doing something you genuinely enjoy. Sometimes we need extra tools to help us manage it all better, such as a timer to help us break things up. Linked below is a free time and researched article with proof that taking breaks will help you feel better!

Also, don’t forget about your passions. College life often pulls you into a whirlwind of academics and responsibilities, but it's so important to reconnect with activities that make you feel alive. Whether it’s painting, dancing, or simply taking a long walk outside, those little joys are what keep you grounded and remind you that there’s more to life than just grades and deadlines.

If you're not sure where to start, Pinterest can be an amazing tool to find inspiration. Whether you're looking for new hobbies, DIY projects, or even just fun activities to unwind, Pinterest is a goldmine for ideas. From learning a new recipe to finding art tutorials or even exploring different fitness routines, Pinterest helps spark creativity and gives you fresh ways to prioritize the things that make you happy.

At the end of the day, taking time for yourself doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s about finding the little pockets of space to breathe, unwind, and do what feels right for you. Life in college can be chaotic, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself in it. Your happiness matters, and by making time for it, you’ll be a better student, a better friend, and—most importantly—a better version of yourself.