Mental wellbeing is single-handedly the most important factor in all aspects of our life, especially as a college student. At a major university or college, students tend to find it difficult to balance everything their involved with such as: extracurricular activities, academics, social circles, laundry, and overall well being. Mental wellbeing seems to be on the very bottom list of priorities due to the stress of the importance of the other factors; it is overlooked. In my experience, I have been taught to sacrifice my mental wellbeing for the sake of a perfect GPA and outside appearance. Mental health affects students worldwide when not acknowledged which is apparent through sleep schedule, academic performance, and social relationships. Most students don’t realize that in order to do your best in activities that you love, mindset is essential. Therefore, there are three major tips for staying well on campus mentally and emotionally, in which are essential:
1) Making YOU Time
In college, a struggle I have been finding in my first couple of months being a freshman is getting necessary alone time. Between having a roommate(s), keeping up with social groups, and engaging in classroom discussions, it seems as if the average college student is never alone. As beneficial as human interaction is, it is also important to have time to process your days with no distractions. Having alone time to relax and do activities that interest you is beneficial to your state of mind and ability to recharge before continuing life as a stressed college student. Some activities to ease the mind when alone are meditation and reading; both activities give you a break from the reality that we constantly live.
2) Exercise
Exercise is such an important way to deal with stress and escape reality. In the midst of being a college student, we often forget to take care of our needs. It is scientifically proven that 30 minutes of aerobic exercise is beneficial to our mental and physical wellbeing. Exercise releases hormones that make us feel more relaxed, happy, and focused. On campus at most universities, there are gyms were members of the student body can partake in exercise and use the equipment. Not only is exercise good for our health, but it improves academic performance and can expand our social circles. At Sacred Heart University, our Bobby Valentine Recreation Center offers scheduled classes like Zumba or Crossfit that bring communities of people together; therefore, working out can become an activity that most college students enjoy.
3) Social Circles
Being a college freshman, it was not easy at first to make life-long friends right away; meeting people that compliment your soul is a process. However, it is important that students reach out to potential friends especially being college freshmen, so they can surround themselves with a good support group when things get hard. Having friends you can go to when you feel upset or stressed is so important especially in college when things start to pile up. Controversially, it is also important to take breaks in college with academic work. Having friends you can grab lunch with or attend a club meeting with is essential to success. Not to mention, one of the most important things to do is to get involved as quick as you can, so you can easily find people you connect with.