🌸Self‑Care September: Prioritizing Your Mental & Physical Health
- Fallon M. Flowers, APRN, WHNP-BC
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 21
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Let’s refill yours.
September is more than back-to-school season—it’s a powerful reminder to press pause and prioritize! The best thing to do is to be proactive rather than reactive before it's too late - so choose self-care over stress.
College life is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also be mentally exhausting and physically draining. Between class deadlines, social obligations, work schedules, and trying to find time to sleep, college women often put themselves last.
But what if September was the month you made self-care your new academic habit?
Welcome to Self-Care September—a movement to remind you that you deserve to be well, not just productive.
From adjusting to campus life to navigating adulting post-graduation, let this month be your reset button for intentional wellness.
💜Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Survival
September isn’t just the gateway to fall—it’s your reminder to slow down, check in with yourself, and reclaim your time, energy, and peace. Self-Care September is your chance to prioritize YOU—because your mental and physical health are deeply connected.
Whether you’re a student juggling back-to-school chaos, a new grad entering your career, or somewhere in between, burnout, anxiety, and fatigue don’t wait for an invitation. But neither does healing.
🔄 How Mental & Physical Health Are Connected
College-aged women experience high rates of stress—yet many don’t seek help or practice consistent self-care.
According to the American College Health Association Spring 2023 Report (PDF), academic stress remains one of the top reported burdens among college women, with a large percentage experiencing moderate to high levels of distress in the past year.
Evidence has shown that, physical health can take a hit too. Anxiety also can trigger physical symptoms like shortness of breath, changes to your heart rate, and feeling shaky (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Keep in mind that any or all of these can all be signs that your body is waving a red flag 🚩.
Neglecting one often worsens the other. For example:
Chronic stress can cause headaches, stomach issues, and period irregularities
Poor sleep increases anxiety, depression, and even inflammation
Skipping meals or movement can worsen mood swings and brain fog
Caring for your body is caring for your mind. And vice versa.
🧘🏾♀️ 7 Ways to Prioritize Your Health This September
Set Boundaries Without Guilt – Say “no” so you can say “yes” to what matters
Hydrate & Nourish Yourself – Fuel your body like it deserves to function
Move Intentionally – Walks, yoga, dance parties—whatever brings you joy
Unplug for 15 Minutes Daily – No screens. Just breathing and being
Plug-in and relax - "There's an app for that" - just download and de-stress
Practice Restorative Rest – Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night
Do a “Self-Check-In” Journal Prompt – Try: “How am I really feeling today?”
Self-awareness is also key. Knowing the difference between stress and anxiety, how to cope and when to get help are also essential. Being self-aware is also self-care.
🎤 Signature Talk Mention
This blog post is inspired by our popular Signature Talk:
“The Power of Self-Care While Seeking Holistic Health: Thriving in Mind, Body & Spirit”
Perfect for:
🎓 College students
🧠 Peer mental health groups
🏠 Resident advisors
🗣️ Campus leaders & student orgs
💼 Young professional & mentorship programs
Bring this empowering session to your campus, conference, or community group.📩 Request to book now or email: partner@preciousflowerswomenshealth.com
📌 Resources for Support
The Steve Fund – mental health support for young people of color
NAMI HelpLine – text, call or chat with a trained resource specialist
AFSP.org – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
🔖 Related Reads
🌸 Navigating Student Health: Your Guide to Campus & Community Care
🌸 Suicide Prevention & Women’s Mental Health (Coming Soon)
📝 Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
🤞🏽 REMEMBER: Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. You’ve read the tips, practiced the pause, and learned to glow from the inside out. Here’s your next move: pick one self-care action on this list and commit to it daily. Your body, mind, and future self will thank you. Glow up continues—right here.
🔍 Sources
American College Health Association. (2023). ACHA‑NCHA III: Undergraduate Student Reference Group Data Report Spring 2023. American College Health Association. https://www.acha.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NCHA-III_SPRING_2023_UNDERGRAD_REFERENCE_GROUP_DATA_REPORT.pdf
Harvard Health Publishing. (2024, July 29). Recognizing and easing the physical symptoms of anxiety. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/recognizing-and-easing-the-physical-symptoms-of-anxiety
National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). I’m So Stressed Out! Infographic (NIMH Identifier No. OM 20-4319). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 14, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-infographic#part_8254
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