High school can create a lot of stress and pressure when trying to balance schoolwork, social life and expectations. Between studying, sports practices, part time jobs, and hanging out with friends, it is easy to look past your own wellbeing. The best thing a high schooler, or anyone handling stress can do, is self-care.

Self-care isn’t just about face masks or bubble baths, but also about taking time to focus on yourself and recharge your mind. Prioritizing your health and managing your emotions is very important to not overwhelm yourself. Soraya Patel (12) says, “I like to listen to music and dance with my friends when I’m feeling down.”

There’s often a common misconception that self-care is something only women do, like spa day and skincare routines. But in reality, self-care is for everyone. For young men, there’s often pressure to appear masculine and tough. But self-care can be shown in other ways like spending time alone, playing sports, and even just listening to music. Robbie Smith (12) says, “Some ways I like to practice self-care is spending time with my family and playing  with my dogs.”

Here are some everyday ways to practice self-care:

1. Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is one of the most underrated forms of self-care. Teens need around eight-ten hours of sleep per night, yet a lot of people barely get half as many hours. Setting a bedtime routine like limiting phone time before bed, doing a skin care routine, and listening to calming music can help ensure a good night’s sleep that will change your mood and increase your energy.

2. Staying Active

Staying active doesn’t have to be running or lifting weights. It can also be walking your dog, dancing, or doing simple yoga. Moving your body releases endorphins, which are known as the “happy” chemicals, which help release built up stress.

3. Take a Break from Screens

Social media can make it easy to compare yourself to others. Giving yourself a break from screens and constant scrolling can help you next more with people in real life and nature. Instead, you can practice activities that make you feel better like journaling, reading, or spending time outside.

4. Connecting with Others

Self-care can be practiced with others by building supportive connections. Talking and hanging out with friends or family about how you feel can help a lot.

5. Practice Gratitude

Something that is a common form of self-care is writing down things you are grateful for. Journaling is a good way to stay positive and predict the good things in life, no matter how big or small.

High school is one of the most important times to build the foundation for how you’ll ankle stress in the future. Whether it’s through sleep, movement, creativity, or connection, self-care is how you take care of yourself in both the hardest and easiest times.