How To Save Your Mental Health, When You Are Studying A Lot

A manifestation of mental health problems among students has been increasing yearly. Arriving at college is connected with leaving behind a life that a teenager was used to. It's a period of becoming an adult without the support from family and friends. Then, there is a risk group with an already diagnosed mental disease, history of substance abuse, self-harming, and suicidal thoughts and/or attempts.

To stay safe and healthy, it is vital to replenish energy systems in the body. Sometimes, scheduled holiday breaks are not enough. Developing a proper routine with the variation of activities might help. It's best to include all the tips. It may appear hard at first, considering a busy lifestyle, but it's a way to stay on track with health.

Key Aspects of a Healthy Routine to Stay Sane

Here's an example to illustrate healthy habits that help to keep the spirits up.

1. Nutrition

This stage of life requires a well-balanced diet. It is always easier to grab something on the run but sitting down to have a meal allows our mind to take a 10-minute break from stress.

• Healthy breakfast packed with proteins, fats, and carbs.
• At least one hot meal a day
• Fruits and veggies

2. Sports

If team sports are not included in your curriculum, then choose a sport that relieves anxiety and allows to relax. Add meditation to give your mind a couple of minutes of peace. Despite the exercise myths, activities nourish both body and mind. A good way to stay active is to go in for:

• Running
• Boxing
• Swimming
• Yoga and Pilates.

3. Social interactions

Sign up for a group, specially designed for freshmen, to help them get around the campus. These groups are formed by older students and are a good place to ask questions not only about campus life but also for any support newcomers may need. You may also like:

• Go out with your peers after classes to hang out and discuss
• Find someone who's coming from the same state
• Join a club of your interests
• Take a break in a coffee shop on campus
• Stay in touch with family members and high school friends

4. Drugs

Never self-medicate or stop taking prescription drugs. Also, do not share your medication with anybody, even if their symptoms are identical to yours.

If the medication does not support or interferes with the new lifestyle, contact your doctor to adjust the dose or get a different prescription. If you left your regular therapist home, then contact them to help you find the support at the new place.

When Is It Best to Seek Help

Interactions with peers, older students, and even lecturers may sometimes contribute to the shame and anxiety of struggling with a mental health issue.

If none of the activities help, then it's better to seek for the help of college psychologist early on. Look through the mental health counselor resume as soon upon arriving at the university. It takes time between the moment you apply for help to actually getting one. By the time of the appointment with a therapist, a student might be already manifesting symptoms of a disorder.

Everyone is going through something, and being ashamed of identifying struggles and personal needs may lead to a grave outcome. Back at home, young people enjoy some level of support. When in college, they are left on their own to identify crisis and take care of themselves, thus being able to ask for timely help.