Just like there are home remedies for physical illness that can aid your symptoms, there are several things that you can do at home that can instantly make you feel more calm and in control. When I started taking on more rigorous coursework and getting more involved in my community, I began to realize that I wasn't setting enough time aside in my schedule to unwind. It hit me that I would quickly have to adjust what I was doing, or else things would go downhill fast. I can't continuously keep trekking on without taking a breather; it just isn't in my nature. Whether you struggle with mental health issues or not, it's important to keep a routine and do certain things that are only for you. It's good to always have something you can look forward to after a lengthy day or week, and to have time to unwind and get your mind in the right place. If you're seriously struggling with your mental health, these tips may not be enough, but they might be able to help.
1. Make sure that you're taking care of the basic, hygienic things.
If you like to make the most out of everyday and feel like you're constantly working on something, it's incredibly easy to forget to do simple, routine things that everyone should be doing. Forgetting to shower, eat or brush your teeth can leave you feeling gross and even more stressed out. On top of all of the things on your to-do list, make sure you always put hygiene as your top priority.
2. Journal, doodle or read (for fun)
Thoughtfully keeping up with a journal is almost like talking to yourself, but without the awkwardness of someone hearing you. It's the perfect way to reflect on the situations happening in your life and to work through problems. Personally, I like to keep a journal on me at all times so that I can write whenever inspiration strikes, or I just use the notes app on my phone. Mindlessly doodling silly pictures also helps get your head out of reality and put your attention somewhere else. Reading is also another way to focus on fiction, but it can be miserable if you aren't reading a book that you enjoy. Separating yourself from school or work and reading a completely non-related book is most ideal.
3. Make a playlist on YouTube of silly videos
Every time I find a video that makes me laugh out loud, I put in in my "favorites" playlist. As a result, I can shuffle the playlist whenever I'm having a bad or overwhelming day and it will automatically play all of the videos. Be careful not to let the YouTube vortex prevent you from finishing your work.
4. Go for a walk or just sit outside
Fresh air is extremely calming when you're frustrated, or just plain old tired. Even though exercise is supposed to ease stress and anxiety, just sitting at a park or taking a leisurely stroll can be enough to clear your mind so that you can get back to work.
5. Set realistic goals everyday and schedule breaks while working
If you know you don't have 100% energy in order to do the things on your schedule, don't overwhelm yourself. Set small goals that you can do when your energy levels are lower than normal, and work up to the big goals. Even if one of your goals is just to get out of bed or brush your teeth that day, they're still very real, valid goals that may be difficult if you aren't mentally strong. Make sure that you schedule plenty of breaks throughout your work period.
6. Drink A LOT of water
This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the first tip, but not drinking enough water can make you feel even more sluggish and tired than you already are. For as long as I can remember, my dad has always reminded me about how important it is to drink enough water, and I didn't start to understand and listen until recently. Now, I always have a water bottle next to me, especially while doing homework and at school so that I feel refreshed. Being dehydrated is one of the worst things you can do when you're stressed.
7. Choose one day of the week to relax for most of the day
If you're constantly working and on-the-go every day, you could potentially shut down, become sick, or become overwhelmed. When this started constantly happening to me, I realized that I just wasn't taking time to sit and unwind. In order to prevent this from happening so frequently, I make sure to allow myself a "veg" day, which is a day where I put away my school books, slap on a pair of sweatpants, and catch up on TV shows, YouTube and just lay around the house. It helps me recharge and get my mind in the right place for the week, and allows me to start on a clean slate. It's perfectly acceptable to stay at home and "veg" out and not hang out with your friends, especially if you've had a hectic week.
Mental health is very stigmatized in popular culture. Being concerned about self-care can sometimes be perceived as being selfish or weak. Regardless of this, the most important thing to remember is that your mental health ALWAYS comes first. No matter what, your health is always in front of your school work, extracurricular activities, family and friends. Above all things, love yourself.
