College is a stressful time for everyone. From moving into dorms, sorority recruitment for those who choose to do so, and exam season, it is very easy to neglect your well-being. Now that I’m a sophomore, here are my tips for keeping up with your mental health and happiness.
- Implementing Routines
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Many of us thrive in routine. I would not classify myself as the most type-A person ever, but there is comfort in having a set of patterns you repeat to the best of your ability. Sporadic changes are not everyone’s strong suit, and keeping your daily life in check helps a lot.
For example, I have a nighttime routine that I follow to a T every night. I have a morning skin care routine as well. I sit down in front of my mini vanity and perform the same makeup routine every morning in order to keep myself productive. I perform the same nighttime skincare routine to feel my best when going to bed and waking up.
There are so many small things that can make or break your routine. I have found that making my bed every morning makes me feel more productive and reduces my feelings of wanting to lounge in bed in my pajamas all day, leading me to neglect my daily tasks.
- Physical Activity
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I know not everyone is a huge fan of FitRec at Boston University, but I am. The two hours I set aside during the day, or every other day, to lift are precious to me. It is just me, my headphones, and moving my body. No matter how much homework I have, I do not let my physical activity slip out of my routine.
If you are not the biggest fan of the gym, as the weather gets warmer, I have found it so peaceful and beautiful to take a walk. Music has helped me get through so many hardships, and reconnecting with nature while playing my favorite songs helps me get out of a funk whenever I need to.
- A Sweet Treat (or two)
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Adding little things to your day can make a huge difference. Late-night study sessions usually end with a Ben & Jerry’s break to reward myself for how much effort I have put in. Taking walks usually means ending up at Warren Starbucks and continuing with a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso in my hand. There is a certain excitement of getting a honey bar from Honeygrow and even munching on chocolate at Mugar. Finding your favorite snack, even if you do not have my sweet tooth, can be motivating and rewarding.
- Sleep Schedule
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I would be lying if I did not say my sleep schedule was one of the biggest challenges I faced moving out of my house to a dorm, where I got to pick my own classes and start times. It is a little hard to have the self-control to not doomscroll on Reels for hours instead of sleeping, but sleeping on a consistent schedule has made a world of difference regarding my energy levels.
I went from staying up until 3 a.m. to ensuring that I am asleep by 11 p.m. This is a bit harder to do on the weekends with so much going on, but as cliché as it sounds, getting those eight or nine hours is one of the best things you can do for your mental health.
The little sleep habits add up as well. I recommend having a made bed, silk pillowcases, and a fan on. It may be hard to get to bed on time at first, but the biological clock can be restarted with some occasional melatonin, or my personal favorite, ZZZquil. Naps are also needed from time to time, and I try not to be too hard on myself about napping. Even a 30-minute power nap can get me the energy boost I need to continue to my next class or start a new project.
- Hobbies
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Before I started college, I had a huge passion for reading. I feel like, as time goes on, the joy of reading is taken away due to the sheer number of articles you have to read for your boring required classes. I have tried my very best to reinstate my love for reading by getting books I find incredibly interesting. There is nothing like a good horror-mystery book that gives me a healthy adrenaline boost, or a self-help book that motivates me to continue these healthy habits I’ve strived to achieve.
Aside from reading, I love physical activity. Thrifting is another healthy hobby of mine, which is easy to accomplish, as there is a Goodwill right near West Campus. Boston is the perfect place to explore with all these cool coffee shops and bakeries. It is important not to take them for granted.
Fueling the hobbies and interests that you have outside of academics can help maintain the healthy balance that helps your mental health in college. It is important to maintain your identity outside of countless hours studying at Mugar in complete silence.
- Healthy Study Habits
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Speaking of studying for hours, I think that it is easy to establish extremely toxic studying habits, especially at an academically rigorous university. I have had to learn that I should not compare my study habits to those around me. Pulling all-nighters and spending all my time in the library makes me dread studying. But studying does not have to be this painful experience. I, for one, have an amazing study/exam week playlist that makes memorization go smoothly.
That is my number one recommendation. I also recommend switching locations. I go from Mugar to CDS to my desk in my dorm to the lounge of my building. Studying in a coffee shop or Life Alive can also provide a sense of fun and fulfillment to what you are doing. Also, you do not have to just read your notes. Making flashcards, using the whiteboards, and watching videos on your topics all make studying a little more “fun” than just the monotone studying you would picture in your mind.
These little habits may seem silly and even pointless, but as someone who has struggled with the dreary winters and stressful exam seasons, I can confidently say I am in a much better headspace.
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