10 things we must do for ourselves and for our Mental Health
It's no secret that college can be tough. Between classes, work, and social obligations, it seems like there's never enough time to take a breath. And when you add in stressors like homesickness, insecurity, or feeling overwhelmed, it's easy to see why so many students struggle with their mental health.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your mental health—and we're not just talking about seeing a therapist or taking medication. In this post, we'll share ten things you can do to take control of your mental health and well-being.
Understanding Yourself and Your Needs
The first step in taking care of your mental health is understanding yourself and your needs. This means being honest with yourself and recognizing when you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed. It also means knowing your triggers and being proactive in avoiding them.
Take some time to journal and reflect on your mental health. What are the things that make you happy? What are your coping mechanisms? What do you need to feel balanced and healthy? Be honest and truthful with yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Nurturing Positive Connections
Making and keeping positive connections is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health. When you have a strong network of supportive, caring people in your life, it's easier to cope with stress and tough times.
So how do you go about building these connections? It can be as simple as reaching out to people you know and trust or joining a support group for people with similar struggles. You can also connect with others online, through social media or forums specifically devoted to mental health.
The important thing is to find a way to connect that feels safe and comfortable for you. And don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. There are plenty of people who want to support you, you just have to let them in.
Self-Care Is Essential
It's important to remember that self-care is essential when it comes to our mental health. When we don't take the time to care for ourselves, we're only setting ourselves up for disappointment and failure.
There are so many things you can do to practice self-care, and you must find what works best for you. Maybe that means taking a relaxing bath every night, spending time outdoors in nature, or practicing meditation or mindfulness. Whatever it is, make sure that you commit to it and make it a regular part of your routine.
Making Time for Fun and Joy
It’s essential to make time for yourself and to do things that bring you joy and fun. Whether it’s spending time with friends, listening to music, or simply taking a walk in nature. It’s truly important to do whatever makes you the happiest! Even if it's something small like playing video games or reading a good book.
It can be difficult to make time for these activities when everything feels so overwhelming, but it’s really important. It will help reduce stress and keep you from feeling burnt out from all the demands of college life. When possible, try to think of something new you can do for yourself each day, whether it goes outside your comfort zone or not.
You don't need to spend a lot of money either - just taking a few moments out of your day to do something calming and enjoyable could be enough.
Accessing Professional Help When Needed
The fifth thing you should do to take control of your mental health is to access professional help when needed. This means if you’re feeling overwhelmed, have had a recent traumatic event, or if you need personal advice on how to handle mental health challenges, then you should look for a professional therapist or counselor to talk to.
It’s important to remember that just because you are seeking professional help does not mean that you are “crazy” or “weak.” On the contrary, it takes strength and courage to reach out for help and work on yourself. Professionals can help provide guidance and support throughout your journey toward better mental health.
Your school may also have mental health resources on campus like counseling centers, wellness clinics, and support groups that are free/affordable/private. It’s up to you to take the first step in searching out these resources and making sure they fit your needs.
Eating Healthy, Balanced Diets
It’s no surprise that what you eat has an impact on your overall health, and that includes your mental health. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet can help you stay alert, focused, and productive while providing you with the energy that you need.
And don’t forget about taking time for yourself to sit down for a hearty meal. When we rush meals or eat on the go it can lead to feelings of guilt or stress which are not what we want!
Staying Active and Moving Your Body
Keeping your body active is important for your mental health too. Regular exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety, increases serotonin levels, stimulates endorphin production, and helps boost confidence.
It doesn’t matter what form of exercise you choose – it could be as easy as going for a jog around the block or hitting the gym a few times a week. The key here is to make it part of your daily life. Also, try to make it enjoyable – walk with friends, join a dance class or even try yoga if you like.
As you start changing your habits and getting active, you will probably notice that your energy levels increase and that other aspects of your mental health are also improving. Making physical activity part of your routine also helps keep you accountable; it ensures that you take the time for yourself each day without fail.
Prioritizing Quality Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important things we can do t keep our mental health in check. You might think you can function on a few hours of sleep here and there, but you’re only going to be doing yourself a disservice. Sleep is essential for restoring your energy and allowing your body to recover from stress and other activities of the day.
By prioritizing quality sleep, you’ll give yourself the best chance of feeling rested and ready to tackle each day with greater focus and clarity.
Practicing Mindful Meditation and Relaxation
Making sure to set aside time for yourself each day is incredibly important when it comes to self-care and your mental health. One way to do so is by practicing mindful meditation and relaxation. This might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be—it can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day for a solo walk or listening to your favorite music.
Mindful meditation can help you become more aware of the present moment, reduce stress, and even increase your ability to focus on tasks. As you practice mindfulness daily, you may also notice that your mood can improve and that you’re able to observe rather than react emotionally to difficult situations. And while it's hard at first, even five minutes spent in mindful meditation —focusing on your breath and releasing negative thoughts —can make a world of difference.
Keeping a Gratitude Journal
When it comes to creating your gratitude journal, there are no hard and fast rules. At its simplest level, it can just mean writing down three things that you’re grateful for in a notebook—but of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to three things. You may find that filling out longer entries works better for you; or if writing isn't your thing, create a digital mood board with images of things you appreciate. As long as it's something that helps remind you of all the good in your life, and makes you feel grateful for what you have—that will do the trick!
College is an intense time for both your mental and physical health. It’s important to take care of yourself and to put your mental health first. These 10 things are a great start, but make sure to personalize your list to fit your needs. You know yourself best, so trust your gut and take care of yourself.
