Seven Days of Self-love Challenge by Clarissa Watson
Being in the fields of psychology and activism can be a mental challenge, especially in times as uncertain as today. The near most important thing I can do for myself in fields like this is to make sure I am prioritizing caring for myself. That’s why I chose to participate in the Seven Days of Self-love Challenge with the Hey I’m Here Squad. Every morning this week, I took time to intentionally meditate and journal on what I could do to take care of myself. I wanted to share two things from this experience: One, the things I did to take care of myself, and two, how it has shifted my perspective and energy throughout the week.
On a typical basis, my week is packed full. As a psychology student taking six classes, balancing two jobs—one as a writing tutor and the other as a retail employee—and engaging in activism, my schedule often feels like a nonstop cycle of responsibilities. My activism extends beyond online spaces into my local community, with a strong focus on sustainability, education reform, and redefining mental health care within our political landscape. Each day consists of classes, work, and participation in social and activism clubs, leaving little room for personal downtime. Even my social interactions tend to exist within healing and progressive spaces, which, while meaningful, can sometimes make it difficult to connect with friends outside of these intense discussions. With so much of my time devoted to learning, working, and advocating for change, I rarely give myself permission to simply exist without purpose or productivity. This challenge forced me to reconsider how I move through my daily life and helped me carve out space for intentional self-care and fulfilling friendships amidst my demanding schedule.
The things I did to take care of myself were a combination of both individual and social activities, as I’ve come to realize that healing and care don’t just happen in isolation. While meditation and journaling gave me space to check in with myself, I also made it a point to connect with others who share similar values. Engaging in conversations about self-care with friends (which kept me accountable), practicing gratitude, and simply allowing myself to enjoy small moments of joy without guilt helped reinforce the idea that self-love isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Those small moments I was grateful for weren’t just things that make me productive, which helped me notice all the other good in life. A strong emphasis on community mindsets was a core part of my experience, reminding me that I don’t have to navigate the emotional weight of psychology and activism alone. Through this, I also learned to focus more on the present, recognizing that grounding myself in the now prevents me from being overwhelmed by what I cannot control.
Focusing on the present shifted my energy in a way I didn’t expect. I found that when I stayed in the moment, I was less likely to spiral into despair over the horrible things I hear happening in my fields. Instead of being paralyzed by the weight of systemic issues or feeling helpless in the face of suffering, I was able to channel my energy into what I could do—whether that meant showing up more fully in conversations, offering support to others, or simply allowing myself to rest without guilt. Taking care of myself didn’t just make me feel better in the moment; it also gave me the resilience to keep showing up for the people and causes I care about. I realized that self-care isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about sustaining the energy needed to do meaningful work.
How do you think your perspective could shift from participating in the challenge?
Additional tools for when you may be in crisis:
U.S. Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Ohio Mobile Response and Stabilization Services: 1-888-418-MRSS (6777)