Spring has sprung! Now that the weather is warming up and the sun is setting later in the day, let’s channel the positive energy into taking care of our mental health. Here are 5 things you can do this spring to finish off the semester strong!
Daily Gratitude journaling
Gratitude journaling is a great way to connect with yourself each day. You can make this journaling practice as simple or as complex as you wish. It may be easier to stick to this routine daily by creating a prompt for yourself that you answer each morning when waking up and another reflection prompt for the evening at the close of each day. Pinterest also has so many great journaling prompt ideas.
The picture below shows a great example of a journaling prompt you can try out!
Mental health walks
Simple but effective. Take a walk. As it’s warming up, find a place near you where you feel comfortable taking a walk, even if it’s just down your street. Getting outside for some fresh air (especially when you make it part of your routine) is extremely beneficial. You can even bring your favorite music or podcast along with you or work on your meditation practice while you walk. Your walks will be the most effective when you customize them to what you need!
meditation & Yoga
A relaxation practice can have a huge positive impact on mental health! It is important to find what works for you. For some people (myself included) yoga can help you connect your body and mind to feel more grounded. There are lots of great, free resources online, especially on YouTube. Yoga with Adrienne is one of my favorites and her videos provide a great way for beginners to find a yoga practice that works for them and fits into their lifestyle.
If you are interested in meditation, there are also many great resources online. While meditation has ties to spiritual practices, anyone can meditate in their daily life. According to Headspace, meditation is simply a way to observe your thoughts feelings without judgement. Mindfulness is the ability to be present and fully engaged with whatever you’re doing in the moment.
take a break from screen time
We are staring at screens all the time, whether for entertainment or education, since so much of academic coursework takes place online. Give yourself some time and space away from technology to clear your head. If you have trouble with your sleep schedule (I know we’ve all stayed up too late scrolling on TikTok) try to limit your screen time at night. You can leave your phone plugged in across the room so you can’t reach it from bed and when you have the urge to scroll, grab a book or journal instead. I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s worth working on!
Talk to someone
If you have close friends you can talk to, let them know if you’re struggling. Share your goals with your loved ones and talk about how you’re planning on working on your mental health, that way they can help you on your journey. If you have a therapist, or the ability to receive mental health care, open up to them about your goals and needs as well. The best help you can receive is from a mental health professional!