6 Self-Care Tips for First Generation Professionals and College Students
Transitioning to adulthood can be particularly challenging for first-generation college students and professionals. Not only are they navigating the typical challenges of establishing their careers and personal lives, but they also face the added pressure of proving themselves as competent professionals while at the same time trying to make their families proud of their accomplishments. The following self-care tips will help first-generation professionals and college students ensure that they're working towards their success without losing sight of what matters most in life.
1) Regular inner work
In order to care for yourself, the first thing needed is self-awareness. That's the ability to take note of what's happening to yourself. Becoming a first-generation college student and professional is challenging because you often navigate between two worlds- that of your familial culture and the predominant society. You could easily end up fighting yourself due to the constant tug of war with competing pressures and considerations. This conflict, this puzzle, this dilemma of where I belong and what I should do, is anything but easy. It's a delicate balancing act. Many first-generation students and professionals want to honor and appreciate their family's culture while fitting into the dominant culture. A critical aspect of inner work is regularly sitting and looking at yourself. Ask yourself, "What is going on?" and follow that with "What works for me?" The road to honoring yourself can be tricky—one where there are times when you feel like you are walking on landmines. Use your heart as a guidepost to show you the way forward.
2) Be mindful of everything you consume
With diet, exercise, and media consumption, you should be aware of the effect on your well-being. Being healthy in all aspects, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, is critical. You cannot separate the mind from the body or spirit, so be mindful of what you consume. That's not to say you can control every little thing that comes in and out of your body, but ask yourself when you're about to enjoy that slice of pizza or finish that pint of ice cream: how is this serving me?
3) Cultivate courage
The courage to be true to your heart can be tricky when it is at odds with familial care and responsibility. There are challenging choices to make. Questions arise regarding, "How do I want to live? and Can I forge a path that aligns with my soul?" It takes courage to be authentic and fearless. You can't please everyone. In the end, you are the one who has to live with your decisions. So, do so as honorably as possible.
4) Recognize the strength in vulnerability
When we put our thoughts, emotions, and experiences out there through storytelling, it gives others the courage to do the same. From one another, we can learn. We grow and form meaningful connections by opening ourselves up to one another and becoming vulnerable to each other.
5) Embrace change
Life is a constant flow of change. Be prepared to go with the flow. It's impossible to control external circumstances, regardless of how hard we try. Accept the fact that change is a part of life. When you embrace change as a constant in life, you welcome your own, the people around you, and our society's transformation. The embrace facilitates a journey full of grace and ease for you.
6) Claim your experience
Understand that you have the power to do anything and claim it. Life as a first-generation person is full of lessons on power, personal power. Asserting your personal power in the dominant and familial cultures is an opportunity. The task is to affirm your power while treasuring both cultures and appreciating how they made you who you are.
Final thoughts
The above tips are one of several ways of cultivating self-care. Look into your heart and only embrace the tips that resonate with you. In the spirit of vulnerability, I ask you for your thoughts. What self-care strategies have worked for you?