10 Mental Health Tips for Students
This article was first written on Jan. 3, 2023
As college students, many of us experience great amounts of stress, especially at the start of each semester. According to the American College Health Association-2018 National College Health Assessment, 45% of college students describe their stress as “more than average” and 87% feel overwhelmed by the amount of stress they have during the academic year. As the start of the semester rolls around, here are some helpful tips for managing stress and starting the semester off right:
1. Read your syllabi and plan out your workload.
a. The Notion App is a great way to organize your assignments as it lets you customize your tasks and assignments, increasing productivity and, hopefully, reducing stress.
2. Use the Pomodoro Technique to maximize your studying.
a. Train your mind to work more efficiently by working for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break. This will help you to be more focused and productive during those 25 minutes of work if the cycle is repeated.
3. Stick to a normal sleep schedule.
a. Sleep can contribute significantly to your ability to focus and perform academically.
4. Practice mindfulness.
a. Techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, or using apps like Calm have been shown to improve academic performance.
5. Establish a strong support system.
a. Try to your academic life with your personal life.
b. Make even the slightest effort. It all matters!
6. Eat healthy!
a. This can be difficult at dining halls but there are many ways to find foods to nourish your mind and body at school. Try to enforce a balanced diet for most meals.
7. Exercise regularly.
a. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least some light exercise every day to release endorphins to be able to take on your day with a better mood and less stress.
b. Its about being consistent over anything.
8. Manage your time.
a. Using planning and studying techniques for schoolwork are essential to a successful semester, but using your time wisely is paramount. Make sure that you have time for what you need to get done, as well as how you need to nourish yourself to perform.
9. Utilize resources on campus.
a. Study spaces, tutoring, mental health resources, and more are all available at school for you to take advantage of.
10. Set realistic expectations.
a. Don’t be too hard on yourself and do not be afraid to ask for help! There are so many people and resources to help you during your time at college.
Written by Elizabeth Carey