College life is hectic, so it’s important to take care of your mental and physical health. Here are three easy habits that I swear by that can help you manage stress, build emotional strength and improve your overall well-being.
Journaling
Journaling offers students a creative outlet that can enhance academic and personal well-being.
Keeping a journal helps students manage stress by providing a safe space to express their thoughts and emotions. Writing about daily experiences, challenges and achievements allows them to process their feelings and gain perspective, which can reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity.
By regularly recording their thoughts and experiences, students can track their progress, identify patterns in their behavior and set goals. I’ve noticed that in my journals, I can see how much I’ve grown as a person over the years.
I’ve kept a journal since 2022, and it’s one of the best creative and mental outlets I’ve found. I like to have no rules when it comes to journaling, so it has anything from silly little doodles to emotional entries in it. I enjoy having a physical collection of memories, hard times and day-to-day anecdotes to look back on. If you know me, you know my journal keeps me sane.
Staying social
Staying connected with the people who mean the most to you is vital to keeping yourself mentally and emotionally healthy.
Having a strong support system can help you handle stress better and feel more confident. Friends and family provide emotional support and practical advice, which can be very comforting during tough times.
Being social also helps students feel less isolated and more connected. Regular interactions with loved ones create a sense of belonging and boost their mood. This connection is important for mental health and helps students feel valued.
I know that staying connected with my family and friends at home has helped me out more times than I can count. Whenever I need to vent about a challenging day, my mom is always there to listen and offer advice. Her support provides a comforting sense of stability and reassurance.
This strong support system not only helps me manage stress but also boosts my overall well-being. Knowing that I have people who genuinely care about me makes it easier to face life’s ups and downs with confidence and resilience. The emotional comfort and practical advice I receive from my support network are invaluable, reinforcing the importance of maintaining these connections.
Walk it out
Going on walks provides significant mental health benefits for students while also supporting physical well-being. Regular walking helps alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common issues for students facing academic pressures. As students walk, their bodies release endorphins, which help counteract stress and mental fatigue.
Walking offers a crucial mental break from academic demands. Stepping away from screens and textbooks allows students to clear their minds and reduce cognitive overload. This mental pause can lead to improved focus and creativity, making it easier to tackle tasks when they return to their work feeling refreshed.
When I’m cramming for a project or writing a paper and hit a mental block, I know it’s time for a break. I love putting on my headphones and taking a few laps around the block while listening to a podcast or some of my favorite songs. This simple act of stepping outside and letting my brain rejuvenate makes finishing my work much easier.
These are all pretty simple ways to keep a healthy lifestyle while dealing with the whirlwind that is college. Being in my last semester of college and making sure I have time to do these three things has made it all so much easier, and it will for you too.
