How To Support Your Mental Health in College

The most important thing you can do to make your experience better wherever you go, is explore. Lots of people get sucked into their own thoughts if they stay in one place for too long. This can happen when people stay in their room for long periods of time. As humans, we like to stay in places that are most familiar to us but exploring new places can help build our perspective and experiences.So, if you have the opportunity to study and go somewhere else, that’s the best way to find new places and keep yourself out of your own thoughts.  

Study Spots

For one, finding different study spots. Cafes are a very good area to study in, and if you’re someone who likes to study in an area that’s aesthetic, so it builds your productivity–like me–then cafes are perfect. I always try to find one or two staple cafes that I like that will help me be productive. The Main Library is great to study in if you want to study in a talkative area with your friends or go upstairs to the big space with tables and books on the walls, the more aesthetic spot of the Main Library. There are also spots where you can be part of a community but also be independent, like the quad. There are always people on the quad doing work, eating, playing games, etc. You can feel reserved in your own space while also observing others around you. One of the rarer study areas is the Siebel Center, which is a very unique modern building. It has an outdoor area and an open area to study in. There are also booths in the bottom part of the building. There are so many areas you can explore to find your spot that’ll become comfortable for you. 

joining Clubs

Everyone says to join clubs so you’ll meet new people, which, yes, is a huge benefit to joining clubs, but you can always go to new events and places. Going to clubs can help you find people who may have the same values and interests as you. Most clubs host different events, which is a way you can bond with others. For example, many clubs host barn dances as a social event for students, and others can go apple picking at the local farm. Also, at HER Campus, there are different socials and events we can go to meet others and go to new places. It’s all about finding what you like and joining groups to support your interests.

Physicality

Having good mental and physical health all depends on balance. Besides studying or going out, you should have some physical aspects incorporated into your week. Some may think this is just going to the gym and working out. That is a great way to get exercise, but having fresh air and vitamin D can boost your mental health too. Since our campus is fairly large, there’s so much exercise you can gain even if you’re just walking to class or walking on the weekend. Getting fresh air can make you feel better just by being around people and experiencing campus outside.   

I know for many students it may be hard to find your place somewhere that is unfamiliar, but it’s all about being open to experiences, so you don’t feel stuck where you are. You should always make the best of where you are or who you’re with, so it can help you sustain your mental health.