Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health as a Student

Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health as a Student

Looking for ways to take care of your mental health as a student? Well the first step is to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. This is easy to forget when dealing with a mountain of deadlines. See our top tips for looking after your mental health below: 

Exercise

No, we’re not saying you should spend five hours at the gym every day. Exercising for just 30 minutes a day can relieve stress. It releases endorphins, which is a hormone that relieves pain and makes you feel happy. 

Get Enough Sleep

We know this is a difficult one when you’re swamped with deadlines and trying to maintain your student life. But getting seven or eight hours of sleep every night will boost your mood. Each sleep stage plays an important role in improving your learning, memory and emotional state.  

Set Aside Time for Yourself

This means finding time to relax and do something you enjoy. It could include watching Netflix, writing in a journal or doing your makeup. These tasks will help you feel positive and give you a much needed break from your studies. 

Eat an Elephant

How do you eat an elephant, you ask? One bite at a time of course. We all know the saying, but now it’s time to implement it. Break your tasks up into small, manageable sections. And don’t set unrealistic goals. If you spent the day procrastinating, don’t try to make up for it by doing double duty the next day. You’ll end up with burnout.  

Switch up Your Routine

Routines are great, especially as a student. But doing the same thing every day can become boring and negatively affect your mood. Instead of throwing your routine out of the window, make a few changes. Try jogging a different route or planning a study session with your friends.

Evaluate Your Studies

If you’re feeling unhappy as a student, the course you’re studying may be to blame. If you’ve chosen the wrong course for your interests, your well-being will suffer. You will also struggle to keep up, which will stress you out even more.  

Find a Support System

This can consist of friends, family, or both. The point is that you find a community of people you can trust. They can remind you to take any medication you might need, offer you a shoulder to cry on or even help with your coursework. 

Ask for Help

There are organisations who offer free counselling to those in need. Your financial status does not have to stand in the way of you getting help. This is also a great way to find a community of non-judgemental people who are also struggling. For example, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has support groups to help people feel less alone and deal with their mental health difficulties.