College can be really difficult sometimes, no matter what year you are. Classes can be stressful, work can be overwhelming, and your social life can be demanding. There is no denying that when everything adds up, it can leave you anxious and desperate to regain control of all aspects of your life.
If this happens, which it undoubtedly will, you might think it’s best to just push your stress aside and keep going. While this is the easiest option, it is also the most detrimental to your mental health; ignoring how you feel can put a lot of strain on your body and mind.
If you are struggling and aren’t sure what to do, put your mental health first. Attending your lectures might feel like the right thing to do, but so is keeping your brain healthy and happy. If that means taking the day off to regroup and gather your thoughts, so be it.
In recent years physical health and strength have been at the forefront of the media; women on Instagram going to the gym, eating right, and looking beautiful. But what about the strength, health, and beauty of your mind? Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it should be overlooked.
Celebrities such as Kate Middleton, Demi Lovato, and Zoella are prominent advocates for mental health and work actively to promote it. They work to educate others that taking care of your mind is just as important and crucial as taking care of your body. You shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed to admit that you are struggling, because everyone else is struggling too to some degree.
Working until your breaking point isn’t healthy. Step back, breathe, and recover before you reach it. If you do take a mental health day, make sure you are fully rested, spend the day doing things that make you happy, and partake in stress-reducing activities such as baths or drawing. Eat well and think positive thoughts, as an anonymous quote states––“health isn’t just about what you eat. It’s about what you are thinking and feeling too.”
Cover Photo Credit: Sarah K. Byrne Photography
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