Midterms are almost over, which means students should remember that self-care is important. Whether it be listening to music or making time to rest and relax, it is essential in order to recharge our capsules to perform better in our daily lives.

“If you don’t take care of yourself, you lose your rhythm,” said Arthur Lopez, junior English major with a focus in education. “Take care of yourself, and then you’ll be able to take care of everything else.”

Lopez said he enjoys listening to music and watching sports. He said this helps him relax, which he considers a form of self-care. Lopez said it’s important to be refreshed so people can function.

Tyler Herro, a young 20-year-old basketball player who plays for the Miami Heat, is one of Lopez’s role models. He said he wonders how Herro takes care of himself because the games he has to play are stressful.

“They’re playing against the Lakers, and they have [Lebron James],” Lopez said. “He’s possibly one of the greatest players to play basketball, and that’s who he’s playing against.”

There are a lot of people who are dealing with a lot of responsibilities and duties, Lopez said, but they still need to find the time to take care of themselves so they can succeed in their lives. Whether it be through listening to music or watching sports, having the ability to relax will indeed be important.

“Things are happening fast. They’re a veteran team over there. They’ll try to speed you up with their length and really try to swarm you. Just relax,” Herro said in an interview, explaining that relaxing helps him make the right reads in the game.

“One of the ways I practice self-care is being with my community,” said Jocelyn Granados, junior pre-law political science and psychology double major.

Because of the pandemic, one way people can be involved in our community is by participating in virtual events.

“I like to read and get crafty,” Granados said.

Self-care is beneficial to one’s well-being whether it be painting, enjoying some skincare or even watching a movie. Other forms of relaxation include playing a guitar, singing or dancing. Something I enjoy doing is taking the time to meditate, drawing or even watching videos.

Granados said she believes self-care is important because when someone is on a plane, you need to put on your mask first before helping someone else put on their mask. In the same way, we need to help ourselves if we want to help others.

“If we do not take care of our own needs, it can lead to depression,” Granados said. “This time is for you now.”

The pandemic allowed her to have a bit more time to focus on her community, but she knew that that time had to be used to take care of herself for her own well-being, she said.

“[Self-care] is one of the biggest stressors in your life,” Granados said.

As students, we have the responsibility to study. However, we must remember to take care of ourselves as well. No one can take better care of one’s capsule better than oneself. Once again, we just have to remember to take it easy.

“You’re the one doing all the work, doing the course work, doing everything,” Lopez said.

For those who need a place to engage with others—WSU has an abundance of mental health services. Those who would like to contact students and be a part of a group can join Real Talk Thursdays. These events will occur from 11:30 a.m. to noon via Zoom. More information on relaxation will occur on Nov. 19.