It's a new start to a new semester. The best time to take action on your mental health is not halfway through the semester, piled in work, with a breakdown on the horizon. College is tough. What you are doing is tough. It takes a lot of strength to be able to get through school. Therefore, your mental health isn't always your priority. This year, make it a priority. The only way to reach your goals is if you are in the right mindset to do so. Here are four very important ways to make sure you take yourself.
Make time for something you love to do
GiphyDoing something you love to do is the best way to decrease stress. Spending every moment studying or doing school work is not healthy and will burn you out. Burnout is a term usually used in the workforce, but this included college students. Burn out can cause you to become more stressed and not be on your A-game. If you feel refreshed, replenished, and ready to take on the world, you'll do better! If you don't have something you are super passionate about, try something new! Here are a few ideas:
Cooking/baking, coloring (yes, this is actually super fun and relaxing), knitting/sewing, find new music, travel somewhere local but new, write, take bubble baths or a warm shower, spend time with family and friends, bike-ride, exercise, try essential oils through candles or lotions, yoga, play with your pets, volunteer.
There are so many things you can do to relax. It doesn't have to take all day, but schedule time for it. There is a saying that goes "You can't fill a cup if your pitcher is empty." In this case, it means that you can't put your heart into something if you have nothing to give. Make time for the things you love so the things you are working so hard for don't fall short.
Don't cram last minute, avoid procrastination
GiphyProcrastination is something we are all guilty of. We think we have all this time, when we really do not. Things come up, more work gets pilled up, and you find yourself cramming the night before a due date or an exam. This year, let's try to start early. There is nothing wrong with starting before everyone else. You'll know by the time the deadline comes that you'll be prepared. That stress of not getting things in on time takes a huge toll on your mental health. If you procrastinate on one thing, you most likely have something coming up right after that. Take some stress off your shoulders. Relax. Take some deep breaths. Some tips are that you start early, do it in pieces, don't over-work yourself, and for the love of god, SLEEP. Please sleep.
Have defined, realistic goals
GiphyLook, we all want to be the best we possibly can. We all want to be the best student with the highest grades. But in reality, you won't probably have the top grade in the class. If you do, good for you! But many of us will not. If your goal is to score the highest, and you keep not reaching that goal, it is going to take a serious toll on your mental health. Instead, reach for more realistic goals. Get above a B+, get above C+, pass the class, get something in way before the deadline, understand something you've been struggling in. Set tinier goals and you will feel better about yourself. You do not need the highest score, you need to do what is best for you. You're going to pass and graduate, you don't need to be number one. Please, throw that heavy weight on your shoulders off.
Always make time for a check-in
GiphyThis could be before the week, midweek, or the end of the week. It's really whatever you choose — there is no wrong way of doing it. Check-ins can be with yourself or with someone else. When you're checking in with yourself, practice mindfulness. Check in to the present moment. How are you feeling? How do you want to feel? How can you be your best self this week? For some mindfulness tips visit here. This might just help you increase your self-esteem and reduce anxiety and depression.
You can also check in with others. Finding someone you trust will help you figure out your next steps and solve whatever you may be worried about. Talking about it can help reduce your stress and makes you feel as if it is not all on you anymore. This could be a friend, family member, or therapist. It can be anyone you trust. Talking it out can help improve your mental health, making you able to concentrate better on your work.
No matter what, you will ROCK this semester. Just remember to make time for yourself, reduce your stress, limit your caffeine intake, don't procrastinate, maybe try some essential oils and check-in with yourself. You can do this.
