It is almost the end of November. For all the college students out there, it is that lovely time of the year where you are weighed down heavily by finals. Some people are just getting over being sick while some are just starting to get sick. Everyone is stressed. On top of all that, more and more people are struggling to maintain their mental health. Here are a few easy tips and reminders to get your mental health back up:
Make sure you’re eating. Your body needs energy, and food is how we get that energy. Healthy foods are best for your body, so make sure you’re trying to get all of the food groups and nutrients you need. However, no one says you can’t enjoy some greasy, salty or sugary snacks! Indulge a bit, but make sure you’re not going overboard. As long as you are eating regularly, the healthy part can come after.
Take a long, hot shower. When mental health is struggling, the last thing you want to do is take care of yourself. This is especially true of your hygiene. When the weather is cold and all you want to do is stay under your blankets, convince yourself to take a shower. The hot water (or warm, depending on your preference!) will flow over your body, relaxing all of the muscles. The steam will also, for those of you who are sick, help you breathe a bit better by acting as a natural decongestant.
Be artistic. Some people are far more artistic than others, but we all have some semblance of creativity in us. Whether you like to write, draw, paint, sketch, sing, design, build, compose or dream, there is something for you to do that allows you to express yourself.
Exercise. I know this is pretty cliche, and it often appears on every list regarding stress release and happiness. But there is a reason for that. Moving your body and doing physical activity releases endorphins and other chemicals in your brain/body that make you feel happy. It helps relax your muscles, keeping them from locking up or getting stiff. Getting outside, a change of scenery or even just moving around gives your mind and body a change of pace that is refreshing.
Let out your emotions. It is okay to cry. It is okay to scream. It is okay to be sad. It is okay to be angry. What matters is how you let your emotions out. Make sure you are doing it in a safe and productive manner. Talk with friends, see a counselor or have a long phone call with a family member. Talking about what’s bothering you, even when you may not feel the need to, can make a big difference. If you really feel uncomfortable talking to people about it, another very good alternative is journaling. Write down what you feel, either in a diary or letter format, or in a more casual way, as if you were just talking out loud. Another really good idea that I like is recording—set your device to record, and then just talk. Maybe set up a picture or stuffed animal in front of you and pretend you’re talking to them. It may feel awkward at the start, but once you get going, it will feel like you’re ranting to a real person. And when you are done, you can delete the recording, or save it if you choose.
Stress and mental health are issues that affect everyone, each in a different way. But that means there are just as many ways to de-stress, to rebuild your mental health, out there in the world. All you need to do is find them. And once you find one, keep going. Look for as many options as you can. Maybe you can help someone else find their way, too.