Prepare for Self-Care

It's a new semester! Make some preparations so that it will be more convenient to take good care of yourself when you barely have time to breathe (like when midterms come around).  Here are some suggestions:

Stock your freezer with....

• Frozen vegetables (during midterms you won't have time to shop for and prepare fresh)
• Frozen multigrain waffles (a great breakfast option when you are too busy to shop; there are great frozen, even organic, multigrain waffles out there)
• Nuts (freeze these so they stay fresh)
• Ice cream (in case of emergency)

Stock your cupboard with...

• Honey (for when you come down with the inevitable cold)
• Chamomile tea (for nights when you are too anxious to sleep)
• Vitamins (a multi, plus extra C)
• Peanut butter (long-lasting, protein packed, and comforting)
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth (to make easy soups)
• Popcorn (for late-night snacks without sugar/salt/chemicals)
• Zip-lock bags (sandwich and snack sizes)
• Quick-cooking Oatmeal (go-to breakfast and cookie ingredient)
• Plastic food storage containers (salad, soup, and snack sized, plus compartmentalized)
• Dark chocolate (obviously)
• Non-stick cooking spray (for cooking eggs, cookies, or anything else)

Stock your fridge with...

• Small bottles of Champagne (you'll certainly have reasons to celebrate this semester, but don't need to drink a full-sized bottle)
• Eggs (these last a long time, so you can stock up)
• Lunches and dinners for your first week of school (make ahead on Sunday for the whole week)
• Good bread (lasts longer in the fridge)
• Miso paste (for easy soup when you run out of broth)
• Pancake syrup (for your oatmeal, quinoa, cookies, or waffles)
• Salad dressing (salads are an easy lunch or dinner option you can make ahead)

Stock your backpack/briefcase with...

• Hand sanitizer (unless you don't believe in it)
• Tissues (someone will need one, even if it isn't you)
• packs of Emergen-C (never too much vitamin C)
• Emergency snacks (crackers, nuts, breakfast bars, or dried fruit)

Update your iTunes playlist with...

• Peaceful playlists for studying/relaxing (see my page for recommendations)
• Workout playlists (to keep you motivated)
• Books from Audible.com (listen while you work out or commute)
• Yoga videos so you can practice at home (search for "yoga" in the TV Shows filter for some great options)

Stock your bedside table with...

• Lavender pillow spray (helps you calm down before sleeping)
• A bedtime book to take your mind off school before you sleep (so you don't have nightmares)

Update your apartment with....

• Candles (to create a special occasion any time or for Feng Shui purposes)
• Beautiful art (see my post "Spruce Up Your Space")
• A rack to hang up a week's worth of outfits (the Dollar Store usually has these)
• A plant (to cheer you up and create good energy)
• A yoga mat (even if you don't practice, somebody might invite you to try class with them)
• A rice cooker (nobody likes burned rice)
• A crock pot (dinner will be ready when you get home...1950's housewife not included)