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Wellness

5 Tips on How To Protect Your Mental Health During These Times

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hampton U chapter.

With everything going on, it’s so easy to lose ourselves and forget how we should continue to take care of ourselves mentally. Getting caught up with our thoughts and emotions during these critical times becomes super easy, making it a little harder to find a way out. So, here are some tips to remind you how to properly take care of yourself and to not lose sight of the greater things to come. 

Tip #1: Find a mental space for you 

Being home since March with my family has been the ultimate struggle. I have struggled to assimilate to not having the amount of personal space that I had at school. It took me a while to realize that I shouldn’t be comfortable in being uncomfortable and that I should find an area that’s beneficial to my peace. I found that my rooftop and parks were great spaces to feel relaxed and really connect with myself again. Not only are outside areas good for you, but redecorating your room or another room in your home that exudes how you’re feeling is great as well. 

Tip #2: Let It Go; Take Time To Heal  

During these times, many things may have taken control of our thoughts and emotions, making it hard to be fully content. Though it may be difficult to fully let go of situations or emotions that burden us; it’s a step that has to be taken to aid us in feeling better mentally, emotionally, and physically. Letting go of that hurt, disappointment and resentment is so necessary when it comes to protecting our mental health. Letting go of anything that has caused a burden on you, is a step towards healing. So, take your time to heal. Whether it be writing in your journal or talking to someone who understands what you’re going through. It is all good for your healing process. 

Tip #3: Take Care of Your Body/Mind

Taking care of your body is literally a top priority. Making sure we’re feeding our bodies with nutritious foods/drinks, the right words, the right love, and intimacy. These all play a part in the way we protect our mental health. Eating fruits, vegetables, and exercising definitely helps to lift spirits and give you the energy to accomplish what need be. The way we allow others to talk to us as well as the way we speak to ourselves can affect the way we see ourselves, essentially bringing our spirit down. Feed your mind and spirit with positive affirmations and words, reminding yourself that you are great and there’s always room for growth. We take steps forward, not backward. 

Tip #4: Try Something New 

Like I mentioned before, there isn’t comfort in being uncomfortable. If there are new hobbies you want to focus on, new foods to try, new music to listen to, etc. then do it! Diving into what interests you and excites you with no apologies can assist in your happiness and satisfaction in life. 

Tip #5: Give Yourself Some Credit 

During these times, it’s so hard to give yourself credit when it’s due and realize how great of a person you are. The negative outlooks we might have of ourselves take over us more than the positive ones, causing us sadness. Take time to remember who you are or who you want to be. Speak to people who remind you of just how amazing you are. Talk to yourself nicely and never forget who you are and who you’re meant to be. 

 

Willow Jones

Hampton U '21

Willow is a Criminal Justice major from Harlem, New York. Willow has hopes of becoming a criminal defense attorney. In her spare time, she loves writing and hopes to merge law and writing together in the future.
I have the privilege to serve as Campus Correspondent for the Her Campus Hampton U Chapter a second year! I am a graduating Senior, Strategic Communications major, Marketing minor currently studying at the illustrious Hampton University. I am from Richmond, VA (shoutout to the 804!). In addition to classes, I run my own creative agency, Tiana Nichelle Marketing where I specialize in social media management, content creation, public relations, and branding. My love for the PR and Communications industry is the reason my ultimate goal is to become a celebrity publicist in the upcoming years! Her Campus Hampton U is an organization that is near and dear to me and I am so happy to be a leader of this ELITE chapter!