Welcome to college: a place where you always have homework, and even when you don’t have homework, you still have homework. The words exam, project, paper and homework have the unmatched ability to bring us much anxiety and stress (I mean, joy). With so much being demanded from us from our stacks of syllabi, it’s easy to get caught in a lull and numbness that drags us on until we see the light at the end of the semester. And then on to another semester.
As students, not only are we tied to our schoolwork and keeping our grades up, but some of us also have jobs to work, commitments to fulfill, a family to keep in contact with, sports to play, sleep to catch up on, resumes to build, and relationships to maintain. To simply say it: College is one heck of a whirlwind of demands.
Despite this fact, college is fun. And it should be. While education should be our priority, there should also be a healthy balance between life and work. College is a risky time for students’ mental health, which is why we should be intentional to seek outlets that improve our daily mental health before the stress of the semester consumes us.
Here are a ways to find balance this semester:
1. Start your day healthy.
Set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier than you need. Allow your body enough time to wake up; make some coffee, eat a healthy breakfast, stretch and relax before the hustle of the day begins.
2. Set aside time in your day to read the Bible and have devotion.
As a Christian, spending time in God’s word is crucial to the state of our hearts. There is much encouragement and wisdom to be found in even a few simple verses. Reading daily keeps our minds and hearts focused on and in line with God. Pray, pray, pray. We can’t do this alone.
3. Get some sleep.
Easier said than done, I know. Sleep sometimes doesn’t take priority when we have piles of assignments to finish before 9 a.m., but it’s just so important. Accomplish what is necessary for the next day and then get some rest.
4. Eat well.
While there are lots of unhealthy, delicious options in front of you everyday, there are also plenty of healthy options, believe it or not. Choose those from time to time. Treat your body right and you’ll feel better. But also, go on that run to Pal’s for that milkshake when you and your friend need a mental break.
5. Stay active. Go outside.
It can be so hard to get out of your bed, especially after a long day of classes and a pile of responsibilities, but take just a moment. Go outside. Take a walk. Get some stress out at the Wellness Center. Get up and move and you’ll be amazed at how much better you will feel when you’re done. It’s worth it.
6. Take a mental break.
Sometimes, you just need to drop everything and go somewhere or do something mindless. Take a drive, go for a walk, grab a friend and go get a treat, watch a quick TV show, whatever will take your mind off of your pressing tasks, if even for a moment.
7. Stay organized.
Planners are your friends. Keep track of what is expected of you each week and take time to space out when you will do them. Write it down. This will help you mentally prepare for the week and keep you from procrastinating too much.
Whatever works best for you, do it. Keep your mental health as a priority. Don’t let stress consume you. Enjoy the little things. Embrace those around you. Lean on God. Take care of YOU. You’ve got this; just relax.