It's important to take care of yourself, especially if you struggle with mental health. Now, I'm not one that believes that going outside and doing yoga will cure your depression, but I do believe that taking time for yourself makes it a little better. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression for years, I've found little tips that have helped me feel a little more like myself on days that I struggle with even the simplest tasks. All of these tips are affordable as well. I only work part-time during the semester and I have rent and bills to pay for. These are all designed for the broke and struggling college student or young adult.
1. Be alone with yourself.
Sometimes being still is the best medicine. Light a candle, put on some relaxing music, and do something mindless. Most of the times I will either color or lay in bed and focusing on breathing. You could also get our a journal and write a while. These moments alone with yourself are good opportunities to grow in yourself. Make a list of everything positive in your life; avoid negative thoughts altogether.
2. Put on a face mask.
My current obsession is face masks. They're relaxing and honestly can make you feel fancy af. Pour yourself a glass of cheap wine and rub that $2 face mask in. Target sells face masks for as little as $1 or you can make your own at home with coffee grounds and coconut oil. The internet is full of amazing at home remedies.
3. Read a book.
Honestly, I never realized how therapeutic reading could be until I tried it. And you don't have to read a self-help book in order for it to be super beneficial to yourself and your mental health. I recently re-read the entire Harry Potter for the millionth time, and something about reading stories from my childhood made me feel so much better.
4. Get outdoors.
I know it's cheesy and everyone says it, but this one is so real. I live just a short 15 minute drive from Kennesaw Mountain, so when I'm feeling stressed out, I'll take a day to go and hike to the top. Sitting on top of a mountain and staring out for miles can make all of your worries melt away in seconds. Even if you just go walk around your local park, getting outside and getting fresh air can greatly help your mood.
5. Exercise.
Exercise has been proven to raise endorphin levels in your brain. I know the last thing you want to do when you feel like crap is to go run on a treadmill, but exercising doesn't have to be all bad. Put down a towel in your living room and do yoga alongside a YouTube video. Or do some other form of workout that works for you. There is no need for you to go run on a treadmill if you hate running. But getting some physical activity can make you feel better in a matter of minutes.
6. Make yourself a healthy dinner.
Eating good makes you feel better physically, and when you feel better physically, you feel better mentally. It can be hard to find cheap and healthy options, but I promise it's possible. Grow a garden if you have access to do so, or shop at a farmers market. I am currently in love with a grocery store called Sprouts that has unbelievably good deals on produce in my area. Look for good deals, meal plan, and shop smart. I promise you can afford it.
7. And finally, take mental health days when you need them.
This is by far the most important one on the list. I understand that there are times where you feel like you can't afford a mental health day. Maybe your job won't let you call out again or you have a test tomorrow, but mental health days are IMPORTANT. I know that you can't afford to lose your job, but it doesn't hurt to call and ask. Employers are moving to a better place of acceptance on this issue, so challenge the system by taking a day to yourself. And don't spend a mental health day drowning in your bed and feeling like crap. Do one of the other things on this list and take a day to get out of your head. You are magnificent. Take time to realize that.
You only get one body, take care of it.
