Originally a Derry girl, I moved to Belfast in September of 2022 to study. I ended up going to university the year behind all my friends from school, and was so apprehensive about going at all. I'm awful at meeting new people and starting conversations with strangers, but I didn't have a choice in this occasion.
I really struggled first year of university. It just felt like Sod's Law- anything that could've went wrong, went wrong. From September to November, I lived in the Holiday Inn. Yes, you read that right, I LIVED in the Holiday Inn. The accommodation I was meant to be in wasn't fully built yet, so that meant we were all put up in hotels over Belfast. There were some perks since I got a free breakfast and free dinner everyday, but I also spent 8 weeks living inside a hotel room, and it was nothing like The Suite Life of Zack and Cody I'll tell you that much. Finally, when I got to move in to my accommodation, I was buzzing. I was so ready to meet people, cook food for myself, go on flat nights out and have that university experience that everyone talked about, and that I watched some of my friends have. This was not my reality at all. I ate dinner in my bed every night, felt anxiety going into the kitchen out of fear that what I was eating would be commented on and no relationships or friendships were formed at all. I was just really unlucky, and as a result, I detested Belfast, I felt upset every single Sunday evening going back up, and I couldn't wait to go home. The lease in my accommodation ended in July, but I had most of my stuff moved out by mid-May and was back home again.
I empathise so much with anyone who relates to this, so I wanted to dedicate this blog to some self-care practices that I tried to do every day/week, that made me feel a bit more sane.
1. Dinner with loved ones
My friends and I have dinner together every Tuesday evening, and I love talking about it. It's such a nice way for us to spend time with each other that doesn't involve anything too extravagant. We have dinner around a dinner table and just catch up about anything and everything. Like this week, we sat and ate roast chicken and stuffing baguettes while booking a sunrise pilates class. I personally think it's so nice and so important to spend time with the people you love. It doesn't need to be dinner, it could be quiz nights, going out for a walk, cleaning together. Spending time with friends and family will make you feel so happy and so refreshed, even if it's just a 10 minute phone call, and definitely essential to make time for in your week.
2. Self-care
As per my last post, you could probably guess that I do love skin-care and beauty. A good skin-care routine is perfect for just taking 5 minutes to yourself, and wash the day away. I don't think there is any better feeling than a double cleanse after having your make up on all day, then putting all your serums and moisturisers on. Even doing face masks and hair masks, are classic elements for proper relaxation. It is so important to take time to yourself to look after your body, and if you were really in the self-care mood here, you could take those 5 minutes to meditate or say some positive affirmations. Further, investing in a good skincare routine that you love, can also be a real motivator and make you excited to take extra scare of your skin.
Now, I am no professional, but walking and exercise actually work wonders for your headspace. I started strength training in January of this year and I just love it. It's good to spend an hour with your headphones in, listening to music or a podcast, and just switching off. Although, you don't need to go to the gym to get these kind of endorphins, you could do swimming, join a team sport, or go to a yoga class. Moving your body in any way, shape or form is what matters most, so just grab your coat and get your steps up.
4. Solo date
This is the perfect way to get to know yourself that little bit better. Taking yourself for coffee, brunch, to the cinema, out a walk, shopping- anywhere when you're spending time with yourself can be a solo date. A few months ago, I took myself to the Neighbourhood Cafe for brunch and it was amazing to just have some one on one time with myself, doing whatever I fancied. It's a nice opportunity to focus on yourself and your own happiness. Solo dating accompanied with journaling would be the perfect recipe for some self love too.
These practices can be really beneficial to your mindset and getting you through those down periods. Treating yourself with kindness and patience is the most crucial, and remember that these experiences are only temporary. I can safely say that things do get better! I am now in my 2nd year and I am definitely happier living with my two lovely friends.
Have a gorgeous week x
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