University, exams, and generally figuring out how to take care of oneself are hard enough for young adults without considering any ongoing mental health battles that they may be facing. The fact is, however, that university is when a lot of students struggle. This is particularly true for those who have just moved away from home for the first time, and find that they are not as independent or as self-sufficient as they thought.
Though this transition period is crucial for development, that doesn’t mean that mental health shouldn’t be prioritized. If students practiced these self-care tips, they can perform better in class, accomplish more of their goals, and even make better friendships. All you need to do is follow these tips:
- Make a Home Away from Home
The better your room is, the better you’ll be able to manage everything else. This is because your room is your haven. It should be where you can relax, where you can go to after a hard day, and where you can recuperate. Not having this safe space can make you incredibly stressed, worsening any situation. That is why it is better to choose a great luxury student accommodation option, especially if you cannot easily or cheaply return home.
- Eat Well, Live Well
University students need to improve their diets as a whole. This is particularly true of those who do not eat on campus. Put effort into eating well, and you’ll benefit immensely simply because your body has what it needs to thrive. Cooking can also be a great way to relax, so it’s a win-win situation.
- Make Routines
Hiding in your room the whole time, however, won’t help you either. Instead, make a well-rounded routine. Eat healthy meals two to three times a day. Have a morning routine. Get out of the house at least once a day (even on days you don’t have to). Go to every class, join a society and attend every meeting.
- Seek Help
If you need help, ask for it. Universities can help many people manage their stress and help them through exam season. If you need more professional help, they can then refer you. If you don’t believe you are getting the help you deserve, tell your parents, or look for yourself. At the end of the day you need to know your options and you need to do what’s best for yourself.
- Self-Care in All Its Forms
You need to stop “coping mechanisms” that actually harm you, like drinking every time you feel stressed or smoking. Instead, practice good self-care. This is the care that really helps you. This could be wearing your favorite slippers. It could be doing a hobby like painting. It could be exercising. Whatever self-care activities you do, make sure they bring benefit to you.
Mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand. Stress, for instance, can cause higher blood pressure and hypertension. That is why you need to take care of your body, and your mental health, because if you aren’t at your best you can’t succeed.