The opinions expressed in this text are the author’s own and don’t reflect the views of Her Campus.

I do know that college is usually a confusing and really difficult time for college kids. It’s a period of growth, change, learning, and fun.

From piles of homework, nerve-wracking deadlines, and exams that keep us up at night – learning to balance these items out is a tedious task. Let’s not forget that apart from all that schoolwork, we want to nourish and take care of our social life, family, and most significantly: our own mental and physical health. I’m here to personally share all of the things I do frequently to keep up good mental health and find out how to handle the stress and difficulties that come along during these years in college. When you feel overwhelmed and heaviness is seemingly weighing down on you, just know your feelings are valid and also you’re not alone! Never hesitate to place yourself and your priorities first.

KNOWING WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Oftentimes, I are inclined to tackle way an excessive amount of than what I really can handle. In my experience, I joined so many organizations during my freshman 12 months of school with responsibilities I just couldn’t balance out and make time for. I ended up failing many expectations, which led to me feeling guilty and feeling that I wasn’t enough. If you may have ever experienced something remotely much like this, just know that you ARE enough. Taking too many responsibilities without delay and never having enough time for them often results in absolute chaos. When you’re already a full-time student, I might not recommend joining 10 different organizations and having 2 jobs suddenly. Your mental health and your growth are of the utmost importance. Make yourself a calendar through which you possibly can organize your week and space out your responsibilities in order that when deadlines come close, you don’t feel yourself encountering an amazing amount of homework that you would be able to’t handle. Joining extracurriculars is an incredible opportunity to involve yourself with like-minded individuals, make friends, and explore different interests you’ll have. But learn to bear in mind when enough is enough! Learn to seek out a balance through which you don’t feel such as you’re consistently on the sting with barely a slip of time.

DON’T FORGET YOUR ZZZs

Now, I do know that is one you’ve probably heard before, but I’m here to remind you about how necessary sleep is in your mental health. All-nighters usually are not fun and don’t serve you well in the long term! I actually have lost count of what number of college students have told me they’ve barely slept because of this of their studies. Remember this: higher sleep increases concentration, helps you stay focused, and improves academic performance. The quantity of ZZZs you get at night can have such an impact in your entire day, and you almost certainly won’t even know it. From an increased risk of motorized vehicle accidents, impaired moods, lack of efficient learning, and brain fog- little to no sleep can have a terrible impact in your mental health. Everyone requires different amounts of hours for optimal academic performance. Some individuals perform higher with 7 hours and others with 9. I’m no skilled, but aim for 7 or more hours of sleep, keep a consistent sleep schedule, and avoid scrolling through your phone before bed and also you’ll remember to notice a difference in the way in which you are feeling throughout the day and the way well you perform during school.

Emily Veith

EAT YOUR GREENS

Did that students perform higher in class after they are emotionally and physically healthy, in keeping with studies? They engage in less dangerous or antisocial behavior, concentrate higher, and achieve higher test scores. A well-balanced weight loss plan may help students increase their energy levels, maintain a healthy immune system, address stress higher, and enhance their concentration and performance in class. It’s great to have a balanced weight loss plan and eat all of the delicious foods this world provides. But don’t forget to offer your body and mind with the vitamins and nutrients it truly needs. Fill your plates up with colourful vegetables and fruits, avoiding high-processed foods. Creating your meal plan can also be an incredible technique to save time throughout a busy school week and sustain along with your nutrition. Eating out is superb occasionally as Chick-Fil-A and Panda Express are tempting options to purchase from. Nevertheless, making these foods right into a every day habit may have an effect on not only your checking account but your physical and mental well-being. High-processed foods and unhealthy sugars result in a rise in mood swings because of this of dietary imbalance. So just remember to fuel yourself well in order that your mind and body can function well.

PRACTICE MINDFUL ACTIVITIES

What exactly is mindfulness? In easy words, mindfulness is the standard of becoming more aware or conscious of the things you are feeling and sense in the mean time, without judgment, and having more understanding towards yourself.

Start with a mindful morning by setting intentions and ensuring the actions you commit throughout the day are more compassionate and with meaning. You possibly can do that by journaling or practicing respiratory exercises soon after awakening. Throughout the day, take heed to your body. Are you drained? Are you hungry? Do you are feeling overwhelmed? Listen to those underlying feelings hidden beneath the surface and act upon them.
Doing yoga, going to the gym, gardening, walking, meditation, journaling, reading- practicing mindful activities can go a good distance in reducing stress and giving yourself more of a purpose. During your workouts, set out latest goals and master latest skills. Shift your mind from feeling overwhelmed and busy into inspired, strong, and completed.
When you’re ever feeling stressed and like the whole lot in your life is spiraling out of your control, remember to breathe. Pause what you’re doing. Take a deep breath. Ask yourself: “What do I want at this moment?”. Once you realize what you wish and never what you wish, give it to yourself.

Don’t forget, everybody is launched into this same journey of life and aspires for similar things as you. That being tranquility, happiness, and ease. And although life may get bumpy on occasion, don’t ever lose sight of what’s truly necessary: YOU. Take every hardship as a learning experience and one through which you possibly can learn and grow to be stronger. Keep your mind healthy, because it is probably the most powerful thing we’ve…