Anonymous

Photography by Julia Thompson 

If you’re reading this, it’s always worth it to take care of yourself.

I used to think that the advice people gave me to make my bed first thing in the morning was just something people said. Starting in college, though, I became convinced that it was true. Even on days when I don’t feel like doing anything, I find it extremely helpful to start out by doing one productive thing. Even on a Sunday when you want to sleep, it’s worth it to clean your room, put your laundry in the machine, or exercise, low or high impact. Once you do that, the day is yours. If you can do it first thing, great, but often doing it any time makes you feel better. That way, at night, you can look back at your day and have something to show for it. 

When you feel down, especially when you’re not at your best, doing just those types of things will help. In the English Premier League, there is a saying that goes, “Can you do it on a rainy night in Stoke?” The core idea is that in theory, the best soccer players in the world might not be able to play in the frosty, gray city of Stoke-on-Trent in England. I think that applies to mental health. For instance, if you can do even one productive thing to take care of yourself on a day that isn’t going your way, a rainy night in Stoke, you can win the day. Even at your lowest, all it takes is that one thing. In psychology, they call these things “type II fun” — where it’s not that enjoyable to get started or even at the moment, but it pays off later. 

For me, the happiest days are the ones where I do at least one productive thing and one thing for myself. From grabbing a coffee with some friends to watching a movie with your roommates, it’s good to take care of yourself. Yes, you must eat, drink, and sleep, but those extra things are super important. Playing a video game may not be high on the hierarchy of needs, but it’s helpful to fill your days with balance. 

Whatever your state of mind is, just remember that little things count and, over time, compound. Eventually, you’ll find yourself building strong physical, mental, and emotional habits that your future will thank you for.

Anonymous, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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