Practicing Self-Care in Architecture School

Self-care is about giving yourself what you genuinely need—whether for your body, mind, or soul.

It’s not just about indulging in bubble baths or buying things labeled “self-care.”

It’s about nurturing yourself in ways that help you function, thrive, and maintain balance, especially in high-stress environments like architecture school.

Here are eight practical self-care tips to help you navigate architecture school while staying physically, mentally, and emotionally well:

1. Get Enough Sleep

Yes, you’ve heard this before, and no, it doesn’t lose importance.

Sleep isn’t optional—it’s essential. Figure out how much rest your body needs to function optimally.

Whether it’s 4, 6, or 8 hours, honor that need. When you’re well-rested, you’re more efficient.

Tasks that would take hours when you’re exhausted can be completed in half the time when you’re fully charged.

If you find yourself working sluggishly or nodding off mid-task, that’s your body telling you it’s time to rest.

Pro Tip: If traditional alarms stress you out, try apps like Sleep Cycle, which wakes you during the lightest phase of your sleep cycle for a smoother start to your day.

2. Stay Hydrated

Water fuels your brain, boosts your energy, and keeps you focused.

While coffee and tea might feel like your go-to companions during all-nighters, make water your default choice.

Drinking water regularly—even during those long study sessions—helps stave off fatigue better than caffeine can.

Start your day with a glass of water to rehydrate after sleep. Use apps like Waterlogged to track your intake and build the habit.

3. Move Your Body

Architecture students often spend hours sitting—whether in class, at a desk, or in the studio.

Movement is critical for both your physical and mental health.

You don’t need to commit to a full gym routine—small choices like taking the stairs or going for a walk can make a difference.

If you’re ready for something structured, there are plenty of free apps with quick, equipment-free exercises.

Exercise has a domino effect—it encourages better sleep, hydration, and even a more positive mood. Start small, but start moving!

4. Prioritize Healthy Eating

Healthy food fuels your creativity, energy, and focus.

While fast food may be convenient and cheap, relying on it can leave you sluggish and unmotivated.

Instead, try to incorporate simple, balanced meals into your routine.

Experiment with go-to recipes you can easily whip up or meal prep in advance.

Even small changes, like adding more vegetables or cutting back on sugary snacks, can have a big impact over time.

5. Journal or Meditate

Caring for your mind is as important as caring for your body.

Journaling can help clear mental clutter by letting you process your thoughts and emotions.

Start with just a few sentences a day—it doesn’t need to be long or complicated.

Meditation, on the other hand, can help you manage anxiety, improve focus, and foster mindfulness.

Begin with just 5 minutes a day using apps like Calm or Headspace.

6. Plan Your Day—but Stay Flexible

Having a clear plan for your day can reduce stress and help you focus.

List your priorities and tackle them systematically, starting with the most challenging tasks first (a concept known as “eating the frog”).

That said, life is unpredictable. Being flexible with your plans is key to maintaining your sanity.

Build buffers into your schedule for unexpected interruptions or delays.

Planning is self-care when done right—it calms your mind by removing the constant mental “to-do” loop.

7. Take Breaks Seriously

Rest is productive. Regular breaks prevent burnout, improve focus, and recharge your energy.

When you take a break, truly disconnect—don’t spend it worrying about your tasks.

Schedule breaks into your routine. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) to maintain momentum while giving yourself time to breathe.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

In architecture school, mistakes happen. Deadlines get missed, and designs don’t always work as planned.

Instead of beating yourself up, practice self-forgiveness.

Accept that perfection isn’t realistic and that growth comes from learning through errors.

When you treat yourself with patience and compassion, you’ll find it easier to extend that same kindness to others.

Bonus Tip: Care for Your Finances

Stress about money can take a toll on your mental health.

Develop good financial habits by saving first and spending second.

Having an emergency fund—even a small one—can provide peace of mind during unexpected expenses.

Track your spending and set aside money for school-related expenses like materials, software, or printing.

You’ll feel more in control when you know where your money is going.

Final Thoughts

Self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity, especially in the demanding world of architecture school.

From physical health to mental clarity, small, intentional habits can make a big difference.

Try incorporating these tips into your routine and see what works best for you.

Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to care for yourself in ways that allow you to thrive.

Got any self-care practices that work wonders for you? Share them in the comments below!