As all of us students head back to our respective campuses in the fall, it can be quite overwhelming mentally, and physically. As lack of sleep, junk food and a ton of stress sets in, we start to feel a little "off." Here are some ways to keep your self healthy, happy, and alert this semester.
1. Allow Yourself Some "Me" Time
There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking care of yourself from time to time. If you don't care for yourself, how do you expect to be able to care for anyone else? Take a few moments here and there to get caught up on school work, take a (much needed) nap, talk to your family over the phone, or simply zone out for a while. It's okay to say "no" to making plans when you're feeling drained physically or emotionally.
2. Meditate, or Do Something That Calms You
Though this overlaps slightly with the "me time" category, it is a little more specific. Before trying meditation myself, I thought it was pretty hokey. How could sitting on the floor with my legs crossed really change how I felt? Well, after trying it, I'm a definite believer. Meditation is all about letting go, and giving your brain some time off. When you meditate, your brain is allowed to relax and restrict forced thoughts and interactions. By breathing steadily, and giving your brain some time to cool off, your attitude can be changed immensely. The app Headspace is free for your first ten days, and it gives ten ten-minute guided sessions to bring you into the world of meditation. Check it out on the App Store, ASAP! (And just think, they didn't even pay me to say this. That must mean it works!)
3. Do An Exercise of Your Choice
Preferably cardio, but any type of exercise can help relieve stress when you're feeling in a pinch. Exercise releases a rush of endorphins into your blood stream. As you run, jump rope, do yoga, take a long walk, etc., your brain creates a whole lot of dopamine (the hormone that makes you feel good, basically). You can even listen to music while you exercise to make it extra enjoyable, or do it with a friend and turn it into a mini-therapy session. Talking between treadmills is the new water cooler, guys.
4. Take a "Mental Health" Day, or Seek Help
Speaking of "therapy sessions", there is nothing wrong with taking a day off for the sake of your mental health from time to time. In Europe, people work fewer hours and report being happier at their job/school environments. Particularly, in Spain, the entire country participates in a "siesta" (a giant nap usually after the lunch hour) that boosts national morale and puts people in a generally better mood. If you aren't dreadfully behind in work or school, why not take one day out of the semester, or a couple days out of the year to just relax? Take a day to do something you enjoy, and put work and/or school to the wayside for once. As long as these days are infrequent, you won't lose your job or fail that terrible class you hate. I promise. Mots importantly, do not be ashamed to seek professional help if you are struggling with depression, anxiety or any other mental illness. Mental illness inhibits living a normal life the same way physical illness does, and there is no shame in treating it (just as there is no shame in going to the doctor when you have a cold, or break a bone). I, myself, have attended many therapy sessions, and I medicate for my chronic depression/OCD symptoms. When I stopped caring what other people thought about me treating my condition and actually sought help, things got a WHOLE lot better. I promise, the same can be done for you. It doesn't make you weak, nor "weird" to seek help when you feel overwhelmed.
Overall, I'm saying this: don't make school, nor work, your entire life. There is so much more out there to do, to think about, and to celebrate! Living to work rather than working to live can make you extremely miserable, and though it may seem necessary at times, take a step back and think... Is it really?
