Statistics ambassador Charlotte Sampson writes about taking care of yourself and managing your stress. You are more than your academics, and it’s important to protect your mental and physical well being!
College can be a very stressful time. You have to adjust to a completely new environment and lifestyle while also managing the pressure of keeping up with your coursework and planning for your future.
All of the changes and responsibilities that come with this period of life can feel overwhelming. Learning how to deal with the stress and taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining happiness and success.
Here are some tips and tricks for mental health, managing stress, and self-care!
1. LEARN TO BALANCE
When you are learning how to manage your workload, it can be easy to forget that your life is not just school. Make time to nurture all aspects of your life, otherwise you will probably end up feeling overwhelmed and burned out. Push yourself enough so your grades don’t suffer, but not so hard that your relationships and mental wellbeing suffer – it’s not worth it! Learning to find balance can be a long, difficult process, it’s okay if you have to experiment and learn some lessons along the way. However, it is key to feeling and performing your best, so learn what works for you!
- TREAT YOUR BODY RIGHT
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that your mind can’t perform at its best if your body isn’t getting what it needs! Put your health first, school comes second. Be mindful of what you are putting into your body, how much you are exercising, and your sleep.
My mental health improved significantly when I started paying attention to what I was eating. Fuel your body with plenty of nutritious foods and drink water! Making sure you are getting enough nutrients makes all the difference in your energy levels and focus.
I take care of my mind and body by trying to have some form of movement daily, even if that is just a short walk outside! Exercise is a great way to clear your head and take your focus off whatever is stressing you out. I often feel like there isn’t enough time to exercise, but I find that even walking to class boosts my mood and energy levels. It doesn’t have to be long – just make some time in your day!
The best thing that you can do for your mind and body is sleep!!!! You won’t be able to get anything done if you are exhausted, and the lack of productivity will only make you feel more behind. Sleep is essential for your mood, energy, and overall health. Prioritize your sleep, anything you haven’t finished can wait until the morning.
- NURTURE YOUR MIND
Make time to do things you enjoy! Come up with something you like to do and try to do it every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Bonus points if there isn’t a screen involved! Whether that be reading a book, drawing, writing, going outside, seeing friends – anything that takes your mind off your responsibilities and helps you relax can have a huge impact on your mood. I try to read every night before bed and recently I have been enjoying coloring. I really enjoy reading because it takes my mind off my own life and gets me involved in a different story. Writing can also be very helpful to work through things that are affecting you, it will leave you with a clearer and calmer mind. My favorite thing to do is to go outside, something about being in nature just makes me feel better!
Another important part of nurturing your mind is building a support system. Surround yourself with people that make you feel happy, loved, and supported. Don’t be afraid to let go of anyone or anything that weighs you down, prioritize yourself and your well-being!
- GO EASY ON YOURSELF
Finally, don’t be so hard on yourself – you’re learning how navigate this new chapter of life! Give yourself permission to relax and listen to your body. Take a break if you need it, your schoolwork will still be there after you rest.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is not to compare yourself to others. You are your own person, and your path is your own. Comparing myself to my peers had me constantly feeling like I was behind. Remember, life is not a race, and there is no rush to figure out who you are or what you want!
