How To Help Your Mental Health In College

Mental health in college

Prioritizing your mental health in college is vital to your performance. This can be difficult, especially if you’re a full-time college student. 

College is a time of great opportunities, freedom, and fun, but there are plenty of downsides. Stress, anxiety, loneliness, and many more harmful emotions can come into play during these years. If you’re struggling to maintain your mental health in college, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

Sleep.

Sleep is a vital ingredient to a healthy mind. This is the simplest way to stay healthy and ready to take on your studies. 

Sleep boosts your mood, allows you to think clearly, helps your memory, and strengthens your immune system. Without sleep, you’re more likely to feel depressed, sluggish, forgetful, unfocused, and even get sick easier.

It’s also important to designate a rest space and a workspace. Making those separate places allows your brain to associate them properly. If you keep homework out of your bed, you can rest more easily. 

Eat.

Feeding your body is another key aspect of being mentally healthy. You might make the argument that there is no healthy food at your college. Regardless, food is still your source of fuel. 

Not eating enough food is a recipe for disaster in your mind and body. So even if it’s not the greatest food, it’s better if you still feed your body something.

Exercise.

Exercising doesn’t have to mean going to the gym every day before class. Simply take a walk, play a sport, or go dancing with some friends. Get those good chemicals flowing regularly, and you’ll see their positive effects on your mood!

Lastly, build a support system.

Try to surround yourself with friends, mentors, and people you trust. Be open to starting healthy relationships and let certain people in. Your social life plays a big role in your mental health in college, so this system is important to prioritize.