As college students, we often neglect our mental health, but our mental health should come first. How does one balance being a college student as well as maintaining mental health? Taking care of yourself is vital, so don’t neglect your mental health when things get stressful.
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Take care of your body
Personally, when I’m stressed, the first things to slip are my eating and sleeping habits. However, if you’re not staying on top of these things at the very least, then there’s no way you can stay on top of your stress. Try your best to eat three meals a day as well as sleeping AT LEAST seven hours a night, if not eight; you have the time, you just have to hold yourself to it!
2. Surround yourself with good people
College is already stressful enough, so you definitely don’t need unnecessary stress building from toxic people. Find friends that encourage you and uplift you, not the other way around!
3. Take breaks
At this point in the semester, things are pretty crazy. Remind yourself that it’s okay to take breaks and that you’ll actually work more effectively if you don’t throw yourself into overdrive
4. Stay consistent
Try your best to keep a steady schedule. Keeping a schedule will help you stay organized and therefore make all of the things that you have to juggle feel less chaotic.
5. Learn how to deal with stress
There are healthy ways of dealing with things, and there are unhealthy ways of dealing with things. If you’re struggling, talk to someone or take some time to do the things you enjoy. Be sure that you’re not turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
6. Quiet your mind
When I’m stressed, I tend to get more scatterbrained than usual. I recommend listening to instrumental music and closing your eyes for a few or even trying meditation. I use the app Insight Timer and it really works wonders.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
We all struggle in some way or another, don’t be ashamed. If you’re struggling, please reach out. Life can be too crazy to handle on your own sometimes, and that’s okay!
8. Keep a journal
Journals don’t work for everyone, but if you can, write out exactly how you’re feeling. It forces you to put things into words and can help you understand things about yourself that you didn’t quite understand before.
9. Take things one step at a time
You can’t do everything at once, so try your best to focus on one thing at a time. You will actually work more efficiently this way because you are less likely to panic about everything you have to do.
10. Keep in touch
It can be so easy to isolate yourself from your family and friends when you’re at college. If you’re in a position where it’s safe to, text and call your friends and family regularly. They can be a constant support group for you when you’re stressed.
Just remember that your mental health comes first, so please make sure you keep tabs on it. Keep flourishing, honey!