College students are more prone to experience stress due to a lack of time management, increased responsibilities, variations in sleeping and eating habits, and a lack of self-care.
College life can be overwhelming. One day you are attending classes from 7 am till three in the afternoon, and the next, you are figuring out ways to pay for your costly textbooks and planning your career. When you’re a busy student with a long to-do list, prioritizing your mental health can be difficult.
A study by WHO shows that 35% of college students report mental illness symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
Mental health is vital to your overall well-being. Good mental health concentrates on developing an atmosphere where you can flourish and reach your maximum potential in life. It is associated with better learning, productivity and creativity, positive social relationships, and enhanced physical health.
In times of stress, it’s important to have some strategies that help you cope with the daily stresses and protect your mental health. Here are a few tips for you to follow during college life.
Table of Contents
Avoid Using Drugs And Alcohol
Many factors are responsible for drug and alcohol consumption among college students, including getting good grades, peer pressure, workload, and lack of self-motivation.
Drinking or consuming drugs can help you cope with day-to-day stresses; however, these substances relax your mind for a short period, and the effect wears off fast. In fact, once you start taking drugs or alcohol, it may worsen your stress and anxiety, leading to drug dependence or addiction.
It is essential to keep a check on yourself and your fellows and seek professional help when needed. If you live around New Jersey and New England, USA, centers like Serenity at Summit Rehab can help treat various mental health problems and develop individualized treatment plans catered to your requirements.
Get Sufficient Sleep Daily
Students who do not get adequate sleep are more vulnerable to physical and mental health problems. They are at a higher risk of behavior and attention troubles, leading to weak academic performance.
When you fall asleep, the brain helps your body recover from the troubles and stressors you experienced during the day. Lack of sleep can make your body unable to produce enough dopamine, serotonin, and other hormones to keep stress at bay. This can make you feel tired and overwhelmed during the day.
College students must get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep to enhance their concentration and learning skills.
Turning off tech devices, dimming the lights, and avoiding using mobile phones before bedtime can help you get a good night’s sleep.
Incorporate Exercise Into Your Routine
From being a stress reliever to a self-esteem booster, exercise is as good for the brain as it is for the body. Physical activity is a mood booster that helps alleviate symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
Whether attending classes on campus or studying at home, make exercising a part of your routine. Research shows that one of the best and easiest things students can do to deal with feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression is exercise. But remember, you do not need to run a marathon or do a heavy workout to stay active. Walking around campus, running in the park, or riding a bicycle to the campus are some ways to help you stay active.
Besides physical activity, practicing meditation techniques, including mindfulness and breathing exercises, can benefit your mental health.
Get Into Your Favourite Sport Or Join A Club On Campus
Transitioning to college life can be stressful for many students. This is why first-year students are usually recommended to join clubs; however, the advice applies to all college students. Join different clubs and partake in the activities your college has to offer. Also, don’t hesitate to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports events.
Building relationships and making new friends can prevent a feeling of loneliness. When you join a club or participate in your favorite sport, you can find seniors or a mentor who can guide you about various things throughout your college life.
Prioritize Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is associated with better memory, higher grades, and faster information processing.
Eating healthy food is as crucial for college students as avoiding alcohol and drugs to keep themselves healthy both physically and mentally. The healthier you eat, the better your body produces chemicals that regulate your mood and allow you to feel good.
Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, along with omega-3-rich foods, such as seafood, nuts, and seeds, can help improve your brain function. Dark green leafy vegetables, beans, and lentils also benefit your mental health.
Talk To The Campus Counsellor
Counseling can be a game changer for many college students. Checking in with a campus counselor can help you learn different stress management techniques, how to get relief from anxiety, and the ways you can express and manage your emotions, including fear or anger.
Reach Out For Help, If Needed
Every student feels confused, disheartened, and overwhelmed sooner or later in their academic life. Building a support network can allow you to reach out to someone for help, allowing you to succeed in your task. Your support system can include senior mates, professors, resident advisors, family members, friends, your counselor, or anyone you think can help you solve the trouble.
Set Goals
Setting a goal compels you to take action, no matter the obstacles. It can help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how to overcome problems.
Be specific and realistic in setting your goals for a single semester. This way, you can achieve your goals easily and feel fulfilled. Your semester goal might be maintaining your attendance, applying for internships, joining clubs, or getting better grades.
Accomplishing small goals throughout your day can boost your mood and spirits when feeling low.
Conclusion
College life can be challenging. Responsibilities, lack of time, workload, and lack of sleep can all become a source of stress for many students, contributing to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Prioritizing mental health is essential to improve your focus, productivity, and overall performance in college. A few mental health tips, such as avoiding alcohol and drugs, setting goals, prioritizing a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, adding exercise into the routine, and meeting with a campus counselor can help you alleviate your worries, study better, and achieve success.