When you’re in the thick of duty rotations, roommate conflicts, and late-night conversations, it’s easy to put yourself last. But you (your energy, your emotions, your connections, your purpose) are not a side note to your student staff role. They’re the foundation. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. It allows you to show up fully, stay grounded, and find joy in the work you do. Think of self-care as your personal operations manual. It’s what keeps your engine running and your spirit intact when things get chaotic. The following provides four dimensions of self-care you should be mindful of.
Physical Self-Care
Physical self-care refers to the ways you look after your body’s health and energy, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and hydration.
Why It Matters: As a student staff member, you often juggle a lot. Your body is your engine. Good physical self-care means you’ll have more energy, better focus, and even improved mood. It helps you stay alert during night duty and recover faster after a hectic day. Physical symptoms from stress (like headaches, fatigue, or muscle tension) are real, so addressing them head-on makes you more resilient and prepared for challenges.
Best Practices: Aim for a regular sleep schedule whenever possible. Keep healthy snacks and water nearby (fruit, nuts, or granola bars are great). Skipping meals or loading up on junk food can zap your energy. When working intensely at your desk, schedule mini-breaks: stand up, stretch, or take a quick walk around the hall between tasks. If time allows, fit in exercise you enjoy (even a 10-minute yoga or jog) several times a week. When you notice pain, exhaustion, or sluggishness, listen to those signals. They might be your body telling you to slow down and rest.
How did you sleep and eat this past week? Identify one small change (like setting an alarm to wind down earlier or prepping a healthy snack) to try this week to boost your physical energy.
Emotional Self-Care
Emotional self-care involves understanding and managing your feelings and mental health. It means giving yourself permission to experience emotions and finding healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, or sadness. This can include practices like reflection, mindfulness, or talking things through.
Why It Matters: Student staff members often deal with high-emotion situations. You might carry those feelings home at the end of the day. Emotional self-care helps prevent overload by acknowledging stress, grief, or frustration, you avoid bottling it up. It boosts your empathy without draining you, so you can stay present and supportive for residents while protecting your own well-being.
Best Practices: Start a simple journaling habit. Write a few lines about your day or vent on paper (no one else has to read it). Practice deep breathing or a short mindfulness exercise (even a few minutes can reset your mood). Talk with a fellow RA, mentor, or friend when you’re struggling. Sharing burdens makes them lighter. Set small emotional boundaries too (for example, “I will not respond to work emails after midnight”). When stress feels overwhelming, consider professional support or campus counseling. They’re there to help you, not just resources of last resort.
Think about a recent challenging experience: how did it make you feel? Choose one coping strategy to try the next time a strong emotion comes up.
Social Self-Care
Social self-care is about nurturing connections and relationships that support you. This includes spending time with friends or family, participating in community activities, and feeling like part of a supportive group.
Why It Matters: Student staff members may live in or near work with fellow staff and often focus on others’ needs. It’s easy to get caught up in duty and forget your own social needs. Strong connections provide emotional support, practical help, and a sense of belonging which are crucial factors in managing stress. Positive social interactions can boost your mood and remind you that you’re part of a larger community beyond just your work role.
Best Practices: Schedule regular check-ins or outings with friends or family (even a phone call or video chat counts). Join or maintain a hobby group or club on campus unrelated to your job. Spend time with other peer staff members too, but also keep friendships outside work for perspective. Don’t hesitate to share how you’re feeling with people you trust. Sometimes venting with peers can ease your mind. Remember to set boundaries: it’s okay to say “I need personal time” if you’re feeling overwhelmed by social demands.
Who are three people you can turn to for fun or support? Reach out to one of them this week for a quick chat or activity to reconnect.
Spiritual Self-Care
Spiritual self-care isn’t just about religion. It’s any practice that helps you connect with a sense of meaning, purpose, or something greater than yourself. This could involve mindfulness, meditation, spending time in nature, prayer, or engaging in creative activities that inspire you.
Why It Matters: Being a student staff can sometimes feel overwhelming or routine. Spiritual self-care reminds you why you chose this role or what you value about helping others. Connecting with your purpose (for example, creating a positive community or living by your personal values) can replenish your motivation. It can also provide comfort during tough times. A sense that you’re part of something bigger and that difficulties are temporary.
Best Practices: Try a short mindfulness or breathing exercise each day, even if it’s just a couple of minutes of quiet. Spend time in nature when you can (study outside or take a short walk in a park) to clear your mind. Keep a gratitude journal and note a few things you appreciate each day, or reflect on moments that felt meaningful in your role. Engaging in creative outlets (music, art, writing, or volunteering) can lift your spirit too. If you have spiritual or religious practices (like prayer, meditation, or attending a spiritual gathering), make time for them even when your schedule is busy.
What drew you to become an RA or student staff member, and what moments in this role have felt most meaningful? Write down that purpose and keep a reminder (on your phone or a sticky note) to revisit whenever you need a boost.
No one expects you to be perfect, least of all your residents. What matters most is that you’re tuned in to your own needs and willing to take small, consistent steps toward balance. Whether it’s an early bedtime, a walk with a friend, or just remembering why this role matters to you, self-care is what powers you. Your well-being sets the tone for how you lead and how you live in community. So give yourself permission to be a priority, because a thriving RA helps others thrive, too.
