Mental Health Practices for the Start of School
By: Kaylee Smith
As the new school year approaches, I have found myself pondering the best ways to take care of myself during the busy chaos of college. Whether it be middle school, high school, college, or beyond, students might share the sentiment of stress, frustration, and decrease in free time during classes. I am one of seeming minority of students who look forward to the new year, but I still fear the looming reality of the craziness of tests, papers, homework, and— oh yeah— sleeping! Even so, I, and many others, have developed habits, best practices, tips, and tricks to help you succeed in the new school year by devoting time and energy to your mental health.
Tip #1: Set Aside Time for What Matters
You’ve probably heard this famous saying: “You make time for what you care about.” While you may feel that your time as a student slips away from you, it is important to make time for what matters. Take a look at your schedule. What consumes most of your time? You might spend seven hours a day in class or 20 hours a week working. Do you find yourself lounging every night and procrastinating your work, or do you spend an hour a day getting a pump in at the gym? Whatever your answer is, it’s important to make time for what matters to you. Spending time on what matters to you will motivate you to complete other tasks and bring you joy.
Tip #2: Learn to Say No
Last year, I struggled with saying no to activities, commitments, and social events. After being online for two semesters, I was more than eager to get back to my university and enjoy all it had to offer. I became a club officer, was working two jobs, was enrolled in 20 hours, and was a member in our highest musical ensemble. Seems like a lot, right? However, everything changed in the spring semester. I relinquished all my extracurricular activities and prioritized the free time to breathe that I needed. Being home every night to do my homework, cook a homemade dinner, and go to bed at a reasonable time was life changing for me. While this does not mean you must quit everything you’re involved with, learning to say no helped me greatly. As mentioned before, setting aside for what matters is crucially important, and saying no can help you do that.
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Tip #3: Say Yes to Sleep
According to the University of Michigan, a healthy amount of sleep can increase memory capacity, strengthen your immune system, and regulate mental health. Sleep can also support your body’s physical health and decrease the rate of depression in college age adults. It’s important for students to keep a steady sleep routine, especially going to bed at a reasonable time. It took me until my junior year of college to be ok with going to sleep before my work was done. Obviously, school is still a major priority in my life, but the work was there in the morning. Sleeping more steadily led to a being a better mood and being content with my performance as a student. In addition, a good fact to know is that the CDC recommends eight to twelve hours of sleep per night for ages 13-18.
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These tips might be easier said than done, but rest assured, they are achievable. Students, now more than ever, are bombarded by the demands of school, work, technology, and socializing. As this school year begins, remember to prioritize yourself by prioritizing your mental health.
References
CDC. (2019, September 11). Sleep and Health. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/sleep.htm
University of Michigan Health Service. (2022). Sleep. https://uhs.umich.edu/sleep
